Simulation of acetosolv pulping of Eucalyptus wood

Experiments on the Acetosolv pulping of Eucalyptus globulus wood have been carried out under a variety of operational conditions. Catalyst (HCl) concentration, liquor/solid ratio, temperature and reaction time have been considered as operational variables. Mathematical models have been developed to describe the dependence of both the composition of pulps (measured by their contents in cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin) and the concentration of hemicellulose-decomposition products (monosaccharides and furfural) in pulping liquors. The pulp yields were calculated on the basis of the pulp composition. The overall mathematical simulation of the Acetosolv pulping was achieved with a limited set of regression coefficients. The validity of the models was confirmed by comparison of experimental and calculated data.