Abstract: A method of treatment of an aqueous effluent stream obtained during production of furfural is disclosed. The aqueous effluent stream containing organic solvents, furfural, and water is subjected to azeotropic distillation to obtain a distillate stream and a treated effluent stream having lower BOD and COD values which can be further reduced by biomethanation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the extraction of furfural. The process includes subjecting a composition comprising furfural, water, at least one acid and an aromatic solvent, with a boiling point higher than that of furfural, to a first separation step in a first liquid-liquid separator providing a first organic phase and a first aqueous phase; conveying the first organic phase along a first line to a distillation column and subjecting the first organic phase to a distillation step providing a top stream comprising furfural and a bottom stream comprising the aromatic solvent; subjecting the first aqueous phase and a portion of the bottom stream to a second separation step providing a second organic phase; conveying the second organic phase along a second line which either feeds its contents into the first line or into the distillation column and subjecting the resultant mixture to said distillation step.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus furfural is separated from a material stream (3) which is formed in a treatment of a pretreated wood based material (1). The material stream (3) which comprises at least furfural is introduced to a separation column (5). A top vapor condensate (6) is introduced from a top end of the separation column (5) to a decanter (10) in which two liquid phases (9,11) are separated from each other. An organic phase (9) which comprises at least furfural is recovered, and an aqueous phase (11) is supplied as a reflux to the separation column (5). Further, the invention relates to a furfural based product and chemical product and a use of the organic phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the isolation of levulinic acid from an organic solution, comprising washing said organic solution with an alkaline aqueous stream to yield a washed organic solution; subjecting the washed organic solution to a distillation to yield a distillate and a distillation residue; and recovering levulinic acid from the distillate or the residue. This process may result in high yields of levulinic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for separation and recovery of at least one carboxylic acid and furfural from a dilute aqueous mixture thereof. In the method of the present invention a dilute aqueous mixture comprising at least one carboxylic acid and furfural is extracted with methyltetrahydrofurane, and at least one carboxylic acid and furfural are recovered. The arrangement of the present invention comprises an extraction unit 302 for carrying out extraction of at least one carboxylic acid and furfural from dilute aqueous mixture with methyltetrahydrofuran, connected to distillation unit 307 for carrying out distillation of the extract 305 from the extraction unit 302, and connected to acids distillation unit 320 for carrying out distillation of the bottom stream 308 from the distillation unit 307 to separate at least one carboxylic acid and furfural.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to high molecular weight polystyrene-polydialkylsiloxane-polystyrene (“SDS”) triblock copolymer compositions and methods of separating one or more organic compounds from an aqueous solution using membranes derived from SDS triblock copolymers. The methods may be used to separate the one or more organic compounds from an aqueous solution produced in a fermentation process. In some embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include an alcohol, such as, for example, ethanol. In other embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include acetone. In other embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include acetone, ethanol, and n-butanol produced in an acetone-ethanol-n-butanol (ABE) fermentation process. In other embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include one or more byproducts produced in a fermentation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for separation and recovery of at least one carboxylic acid and furfural from a dilute aqueous mixture thereof. In the method of the present invention a dilute aqueous mixture comprising at least one carboxylic acid and furfural is extracted with methyltetrahydrofurane, and at least one carboxylic acid and furfural are recovered. The arrangement of the present invention comprises an extraction unit 302 for carrying out extraction of at least one carboxylic acid and furfural from dilute aqueous mixture with methyltetrahydrofuran, connected to distillation unit 307 for carrying out distillation of the extract 305 from the extraction unit 302, and connected to acids distillation unit 320 for carrying out distillation of the bottom stream 308 from the distillation unit 307 to separate at least one carboxylic acid and furfural.

Abstract: A method and system for disposal of furfural wastewater, wherein raw crop material is transported into a hydrolysis reactor after crushed and mixed with acid to be hydrolyzed to form raw furfural liquid, and then said raw furfural liquid is transported into a distillation column to be distilled, during which furfural wastewater is discharged from said distillation column. Firstly said furfural wastewater is transported into a wastewater evaporation system to be heated it into wastewater vapor which is then transported back into said hydrolysis reactor to form recycle of said furfural wastewater. Wastewater vapor residues generated therein can be utilized directly to combust in boiler, mix with acid, or prepare end product acetate. The system for disposal of furfural wastewater comprises at least a wastewater evaporation system connecting with a heat resource which is one of steam, electricity, coal, oil, gas, plant straws or wastewater vapor residues.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an organosolv process for the extraction of materials from lignocellulosic biomass. This invention further relates to the chemicals and their derivatives extracted from biomass, uses, apparatus, methods, and the like. In an embodiment of the invention the material extracted from the lignocellulosic biomass is levulinic acid.

Abstract: A process for separating furfural from a liquid aqueous phase comprising furfural and one or more organic acids, which process comprises a step a) extracting furfural from the liquid aqueous phase into a liquid aromatic phase comprising one or more aromatic hydrocarbon compounds to obtain a liquid organic phase comprising furfural and one or more aromatic hydrocarbon compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition that comprises an extract derived from a component of a plant of the Nicotiana species. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the extracts described herein, and methods for preparing extracts derived from a component of a plant of the Nicotiana species for addition to a tobacco composition.

Abstract: A method for processing biomass comprising heating an aqueous slurry comprising biomass, water and a phosphate catalyst in a pressure vessel at a temperature of about 150° C. to about 500° C. to produce a mixture comprising a dispersion of an organic phase and an aqueous phase.

Abstract: Presently disclosed are methods and apparatus for separation of reaction products from reaction mixtures in an ionic liquid catalysis process, particularly in conversion of biomass, cellulose, and sugars into chemical intermediates such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). In one embodiment an ion exclusion adsorption mechanism is used for the separation process. The process comprises (i) mixing the ionic liquid-containing reaction mixture with de-ionized water, (ii) flowing the water solution mixture into an adsorption column, (iii) eluting the column with a water- and/or alcohol-based fluid, and (iv) collecting separated fractions at different elution times.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising, consisting of or alternatively consisting essentially of a stabilized furfural or glycol ester of a vegetable oil fatty acid and an antioxidant such as butylated hydroxy toluene. This invention also relates to latex film-forming compositions containing stabilized furfural or glycol esters, such as a stabilized propylene glycol monoester (PGME) mixture. This invention is also directed to methods of stabilizing furfural or glycol esters of a vegetable fatty acid by contacting the esters with an antioxidant such as butylated hydroxy toluene. This invention also includes methods of preparing film-forming compositions comprising a stabilized furfural or glycol ester, such as the stabilized PGME mixture disclosed herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising, consisting of or alternatively consisting essentially of a stabilized furfural or glycol ester of a vegetable oil fatty acid and an antioxidant such as butylated hydroxy toluene. This invention also relates to latex film-forming compositions containing stabilized furfural or glycol esters, such as a stabilized propylene glycol monoester (PGME) mixture. This invention is also directed to methods of stabilizing furfural or glycol esters of a vegetable fatty acid by contacting the esters with an antioxidant such as butylated hydroxy toluene. This invention also includes methods of preparing film-forming compositions comprising a stabilized furfural or glycol ester, such as the stabilized PGME mixture disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of gaseous acid catalysis which finds particular applications in the manufacture of furfural includes the steps of introducing a solid reactant containing one or more hydroxyl groups into a reactor (1); introducing superheated steam from a superheater (2) until the temperature within the reactor (1) is higher than that of the dew points of both water and the catalyst and the reactant is dry. The catalyst is then introduced into the superheated steam by vaporiser (3). Product gas formed is liquified in condenser (4) and the condensate collected in a buffer tank (5). Separation plant isolates the product gas and recovers the acid catalyst, preferably as its azeotrope with water, and recycles it into the vaporiser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering and producing chemicals in a pulp production process where organic chemicals, such as formic acid and acetic acid, are used as cooking chemicals. The process of the invention is based on regeneration of cooking acids and formation of additional cooking acids and furfural by evaporating the cooking liquor and then separating acetic acid, formic acid, furfural and water. The separation is preferably carried out by distillation using the furfural formed in the process as a distilling aid in the distillation.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula 1

Abstract: Sugars derived from acidic hydrolysis of biomass consist of glucose and xyloses which are subjected to dehydration, within the hydrolysis environment, to form heterocyclic compounds, furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural. By providing a vessel for hydrolysis of biomass, a hydrolysate containing acid and heterocyclic compounds is formed. Upon withdrawing the hydrolysate from the vessel, and employment of separating means for removing heterocyclic compounds from the hydrolysate, a hydrolysate substantially devoid of heterocyclic compounds is provided for recycle to the vessel and will provide heterocyclic compounds. By withdrawing solids, containing lignins remaining from hydrolysis of biomass, from the vessel, and filtering the solids, to result in a filtrate for recycle to the vessel and provide filtered solids for subsequent processing.

Abstract: Sugars derived from acidic hydrolysis of biomass consist of glucose and xyloses which are subjected to dehydration, within the hydrolysis environment, to form heterocyclic compounds, furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural. By providing a vessel for hydrolysis with a supply of a biomass, hydrolysate, containing acid and heterocyclic compounds, is formed. Upon withdrawing the hydrolysate from the vessel, and subjecting the hydrolysate to extracting with a hydrocarbon forms an extractate, containing dissolved heterocyclic compounds within the hydrocarbon, and a raffinate, providing a hydrolysate substantially devoid of heterocyclic compounds for recycle to the hydrolysis vessel. Withdrawing residue remaining from hydrolysis, containing lignins, from the vessel, and subjecting the residue to filtering, resulting in a filtrate for recycle to the vessel and provides filtered residue for subsequent processing. Thereby, heterocyclic compounds are derived from a biomass and withdrawn from the hydrolysis vessel.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to new substituted 3-phenoxy- or 3-phenylalkyloxy-2-phenyl-propylamines of general formula 1, processes for preparing them and their use as pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses assays to identify compounds that inhibit the enzymatic activity of MIF which catalyzes the tautomerization of MIF-substrates, such as D-dopachrome to DHICA. In general, the assay is conducted in vitro by adding, mixing or combining MIF and a suitable substrate in the presence or absence of a test compound, and measuring the tautomerization of the substrate. The test compounds that inhibit tautomerization in the assay are identified as MIF inhibitors.

Abstract: Inhibitor compounds containing a moiety according to this invention are used to inhibit air oxidation and thermal polymerization of furfural or furfural derivatives. A process is provided for use of the inhibitors in the solvent refining of lubricating oils where furfural is used to extract impurities including polycyclic aromatic and oxygen-containing compounds from the lubricating oils. The process provides for combination of the inhibitor with a continuously recirculating furfural stream in the extraction process.

Abstract: Novel sulfonylimide and sulfonylmethide compounds are described which are useful as conductive salts. Also described is the use of the above compounds in salt form in battery electrolytes, particular salts having mixed perfluorocarbon and hydrocarbon groups or having all hydrocarbon groups. The above salts are less expensive to produce and still exhibit excellent conductivity and low corrosivity.

Abstract: This invention provides for the recovery of lignin and other by-products from the pulping of fibrous plant material. In accordance with this invention, solvents and filtrates are recovered and recycled for reuse. This results in significant solvent and energy savings. Filtrates from the bleaching and delignification of the pulp are recycled for reuse in pulping, separation, and recovery of lignin and other by-products which results in significant energy savings and mitigation if not the elimination of pollution typically associated with bleaching. This invention also relates to products derived from the process and apparatus for carrying out the process. Lignins of various molecular weights and by-products of the pulping process are also recovered. The lignins are precipitated in high yields and at a high rate from a black liquor produced by pulping wood at high temperature and pressures. As a by-product of this process a purified furfural product is recovered.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing levulinic acid from carbohydrate-containing materials in high yields is described. According to the process, a carbohydrate-containing material is supplied continuously to a first reactor and hydrolyzed at between 210.degree. C. and 230.degree. C. for between 13 seconds and 25 seconds in the presence of between 1% and 5% by weight mineral acid. The hydrolysis produces hydroxymethylfurfural, which is removed continuously from the first reactor and supplied continuously to a second reactor. In the second reactor, the hydroxymethylfurfural is hydrolyzed further at between 195.degree. C. and 215.degree. C. for between 15 minutes and 30 minutes to produce levulinic acid, which is continuously removed from the second reactor. The levulinic acid preferably is produced in at least 60%, and more preferably at least 70%, of the theoretical yield based on the hexose content of the carbohydrate-containing material.

Abstract: Dialkylphenylenediamines are used to inhibit oxidation and polymerization of furfural or furfural derivatives. The preferred use of the inhibitor is in the solvent refining of lubricating oils using furfural to extract constituents from the lubricating oils. Prior to and/or during the treatment the acidity of the furfural is adjusted to a level below 0.20 mg KOH/gram furfural.

Abstract: Dialkylphenylenediamines are used to inhibit oxidation and polymerization of furfural or furfural derivatives. The preferred use of the inhibitor is in the solvent refining of lubricating oils using furfural to extract constituents from the lubricating oils.

Abstract: Furfural is separated from a dilute aqueous solution by contacting the solution with a polymer adsorbent which comprises porous crosslinked copolymers of styrene and derivatives thereof, having an internal surface area greater than 30 m.sup.2 /g and subsequently desorbing furfural from the adsorbent through contact with an alcohol containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for the thermal and chemical treatment of lignocellulose-containing biomass and for the production of furfural and cellulose-containing fiber masses. In order to ensure a high yield of furfural:lignocellulose-containing biomass is continuously fed into a cooker containing a cooking liquor and, upon heating of the biomass in a heating zone and guidance of the heated biomass through a consecutive retention zone, cellulose or pretreated biomass is continuously withdrawn from the cooker,cooking liquor is continuously withdrawn from the cooker,the cooking liquor withdrawn is continuously fed to a furfural production plant, andthe cooking liquor at least largely freed from pentoses and furfural is continuously returned to the cooker, wherein heating may be effected by direct steam or via the cooking liquor.

Abstract: In a combined process for the thermal and chemical treatment of lignocellulose-containing biomass and for the production of furfural, biomass is supplied to a cooker in batches, is heated in the cooker under the addition of cooking liquor, and cellulose or pre-treated biomass is withdrawn from the cooker in batches. In order to guarantee a high yield of furfural, cooking liquor is withdrawn from the cooker during the heating phase and is fed to a furfural production plant, and the cooking liquor at least largely freed from pentoses and furfural is returned to the cooker.

Abstract: A process for producing furfural and levulinic acid from lignocellulose includes subjecting a sample of lignocellulose to acid degradation at an elevated temperature for a minute or less, during which time at least fifty percent of the furfural that theoretically can be derived from the sample is generated. The resulting mixture is then subjected to a second acid degradation at an elevated temperature to produce levulinic acid. During the second acid degradation, furfural vapors are continuously collected from the mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing carbamic acid derivatives of formula: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 denotes a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or heterocyclic radical, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together form a ring, and Y denotes OR, SR, ##STR2## groups, R being a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic radical, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 denote a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic radical or together form a ring, and R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 denote a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical, a hydrogen atom, an alkylthio radical or an alkyloxy radical.According to the process, a compound of formula ##STR3## is reacted with an .alpha.-halogenated derivative of formula ##STR4## at a temperature of -5.degree. to 150.degree. C.

Abstract: Furfural or derivatives thereof, especially 5-chloromethyl furfural, is inhibited against the formation of resinous decomposition products by addition of epoxy compounds such as the reaction product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A.

Abstract: A method of recovering or extracting chemicals, such as furfural, formic acid, acetic acid and other organic compounds from acidic hydrolysates of plants or vegetable matter, especially spent sulfite liquors after conversion of the pentosans into pentoses and then into furfural by heating the hydrolysate in an acidic environment. The conversion of the pentosans pentoses into furfural, preferably with acidulation, is accomplished in a counterflow or countercurrent flow heat exchanger and a reactor, preferably a tubular reactor. The hydrolysate which has additionally been heated and converted in the reactor is used as a heating medium or heat carrier for heating up the hydrolysate which is converted in the counterflow heat exchanger, whereupon there is recovered as the distillate furfural in conjunction with the formic acid, acetic acid and the like.