Furfural production from Eucalyptus globulus: Optimizing by using neural fuzzy models

Samples of Eucalyptus globulus were subjected to isothermal autohydrolysis (temperature: 220–250 °C and isothermal residence time 0–60 min). The effect of the R0 factor on the sugar yield and composition of both liquid and solid phases obtained after the treatments has been studied. The furfural concentration and composition has been determined. A central composite experimental design, in conjunction with the neural fuzzy model, was used to the furfural content maximization under isothermal autohydrolysis. A varied range, involving two independent variables at three different levels, was established for each process variable (viz. temperature and autohydrolysis time). The obtained models reproduced the experimental results of the dependent variables with errors below 6%. Under optimum experimental conditions, the yield of furfural (4.4 g/100 g dry raw material) could be obtained at 60 min and 220 °C).

• Samples of Eucalyptus globulus were subjected to isothermal autohydrolysis.
• The effect of the R factor on furfural yield and general composition has been studied.
• Under optimum 4.4 g/100 g raw material of furfural has been obtained.