TIChE International Conference 2011 November 10 – 11, 2011 at Hatyai, Songkhla THAILAND Paper Code: es003 1 Optimization for lignin removal from synthetic wastewater by catalytic wet air oxidation Pongsert Sriprom 1 , Arthit Neramittagapong 1, 2 , Sutasinee Neramittagapong 1* 1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, KhonKaen University, KhonKaen, 40002, Thailand 2 Energy Management and Conservation Office, Faculty of Engineering, KhonKaen University, KhonKaen, 40002, Thailand *e-mail: sutasineene@kku.ac.th Abstract – The removal of lignin from synthetic wastewater by catalytic wet oxidation was investigated. The reactions were carried out in a 1000 ml high pressure batch reactor. The 10% wt Cu/Al 2 O 3 catalysts was prepared by impregnation method and characterized by XRD and BET surface area. An optimization equation was set from the actual data with 95% confidence. The highest COD removal of 92% was achieved at the optimum reaction temperature of 185C, pressure of 10 bars, 120 min and catalyst loading of 1 gram per liter of synthetic wastewater. The verifications of the optimum condition were tested and gave the 90±2% of COD removal. Keyword: catalytic wet air oxidation, optimization, lignin removal