Design and optimization of the levulinic acid recovery process from lignocellulosic biomass

- An innovative TDWC-D was proposed to separate a heterogeneous azeotrope mixture.
- The TAC could be reduced by 28.1% by the innovative TDWC-D.
- Many benefits could be achieved by changing process sequence structure.
- A compact and energy efficient LA production process is proposed.
- Large potential for commercial LA production from lignocellulosic biomass.