Great find , since I enjoy hydrogenation synthesis , I always look to maximize the use of this great apparatus. The method reminds me of the one WizardX talked about and explained that it went through esterification with the acetic acid present and the addition of the perchloric acid all in methanol, (it's a waste to use a fine reagent methanol since you are introducing water with the acid),. He too suggestd the Pd./C , regular stuff that is sold, nothing fancy, or PdBariumsulfate .
I think the method will work well for a hydrogenator with 40-60psi as it will increase the hydrogeanation substitution as the acid promoted ester leaves and is replaced by the hydrogen.....java