The Batch Process of QUAKER OATS

The batch process of QUAKER OATS is the oldest way of making furfural.As described in the introduction, this process was conceived in 1921, employing available cookers formerly used for the manufacture of an unprofitable cereal product. 

The raw material mixed with sulfuric acid is introduced through a manhole, and after closing the latter, rotation of the cooker and passage of steam to give 153 C are applied for 5 hours. The temperature of 153 °C was imposed by the pressure rating of the available cookers. After trying various materials, QUAKER OATS ended up lining the cookers with carbon bricks sealed by an acid-proof cement. This is the process as it is still used today. 

A - Furfural in the Distillate in % of the Theoretical Yield B - Final Moisture Content of the Residue C -Furfural in the Residue in % of the Theoretical Yield 

For Brownlee s optimum conditions at 25.4 % initial water content, the initial sulfuric acid concentration was 6.05 % by weight, the furfural in fhe distillate was 52.3 % of the theoretical yield, and the furfural in the residue was 9.9 % of the theoretical yield. Thus, the overall chemical yield was (52.3 + 9.9) % = 62.2 %, and the furfural lost in the residue 

In spite of its venerable history, the batch process of QUAKER OATS does have significant disadvantages which can be summarized as follows  

---

As in the case of the batch process of QUAKER OATS, the furfural yield in the distillate is in the order of 50 percent. 

---