Inspired by a chemical explosion involving a drum furfuryl alcohol at a local chemical plant, the team investigated the acid-catalyzed polycondensation of furfuryl alcohol through COMSOL multi-physics modeling and a series of lab experiments. To investigate the explosion, furfuryl alcohol was reacted in stainless steel vessels with methanesulfonic and hydrochloric acid contaminates to observe the changes in temperature and pressure throughout the reaction. The maximum temperature recorded in the experiments was 170.5 °C, and pressures greater than 75 psi were generated. The reaction proved to be both volatile and unpredictable. The timeline of this reaction ultimately allowed the team to develop improved process safety recommendations for the handling of furfuryl alcohol in industry.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cyr, Christopher Lee
• Charla, Katherine Juliana
• McKeage, Sarah Lauren
• Vodola, Kelly

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042319-092507

Advisor

• Kmiotek, Stephen J.

Year

• 2019

Date created

• 2019-04-23

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright