Development of a downstream process for the recovery of Acetic acid and Furfural from the torrefaction process

The combustion of agronomic wastes in India depletes a valuable resource and serves as one of the prime factors in the deterioration of air quality. Thermochemical and biochemical conversion processes are advantageous in converting agro-waste into usable products such as biochar, bio-coal, biogas, and ethanol. Torrefaction is a proven methodology that can manage various agricultural wastes. The valorization of the vapors that escape during the torrefaction process is an effective way to increase the economic sustainability of the system. The torrefaction condensates contain many industrially important compounds like acids, aldehydes, alcohols, etc. However, at a commercial scale, torrefaction volatiles is generally combusted. Therefore, the proposed research aims to partition the water-soluble fraction of the condensate from the water-insoluble portions and develop an economically viable and ecologically sustainable process for the recovery of Acetic acid and Furfural. This study proposes to find the best suitable adsorbents and optimized process ( via Batch and Column studies) for efficient separation of Acetic acid and Furfural from the torrefaction condensate. Upon gaining this knowledge, we aim to build a technically sound and cost-effective roadmap for scaling up the recovery of Acetic acid and Furfural from torrefied condensate.