Investigations have been made on the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol in a fluidized bed. Effects on the reaction of the variables such as temperature
inlet gas composition and space velocity have been studied. The optimum reaction conditions as shown by the experimental results are: temperature 140℃
space velocity 2.6-3.0 liter/(min. ×100 ml. catalyst)
and inlet gas composition (molar ratio of furfural to hydrogen) 1: 40-45. The once-through yield of furfuryl alcohol is greater than 90%
and the outlet mixture contains no any unreacted furfural.