Eric J Till

Title: Innovations in Furfural Production by Eric J Till

Introduction: Eric J Till, based in Newtown Square, PA, is an accomplished inventor with a focus on innovative processes in the chemical industry. With three patents to his name, his work significantly contributes to the effective production of furfural, a vital chemical in various applications.

Latest Patents: Eric's latest patents revolve around the production of furfural through advanced methodologies. The first patent describes a process where furfural is produced by mixing an aqueous feedstock solution containing sugars with a heated, high boiling, water-miscible solvent like sulfolane and a soluble acid catalyst. This approach allows the distillation of the furfural product and water through a multistage distillation column, ensuring the non-volatile solvent remains behind. This method yields approximately 80% of furfural at as high as 99% conversion rates. Additionally, undesirable by-products such as humins can be precipitated and removed effectively through filtration, enhancing the overall efficiency of the reaction.

The second patent presents a similar process, albeit with the use of a solid acid catalyst alongside a heated aqueous feedstock solution mixed with sulfolane. This method has achieved yields exceeding 70% with equivalent conversion rates, all while retaining the ability to eliminate unwanted by-products through the same innovative filtration technique.

Career Highlights: Eric J Till is affiliated with E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, a leader in technology and innovation. His contributions in the field of furfural production not only showcase his expertise but also highlight the company's commitment to advancing chemical processes and sustainability.

Collaborations: Throughout his career, Eric has worked alongside talented coworkers, including Paul Joseph Fagan and Ronnie Ozer. These collaborations underline the importance of teamwork in driving innovation and enhancing research within the industry.

Conclusion: Eric J Till's inventive methodologies for furfural production mark a significant advancement in chemical engineering. His patents not only optimize production efficiency but also pave the way for a more sustainable approach to chemical manufacturing. Eric's work serves as a testament to the power of innovation in transforming industry practices.