Fatty acid butyl esters were synthesized
from sunflower oil with
1-butanol using a homogeneous Rhizomucor miehei lipase
in a biphasic organic (triglyceride, 1-butanol, hexane)– water
(with enzyme) system in a continuous setup consisting of a cascade
of a stirred tank reactor and a continuous centrifugal contactor separator
(CCCS), the latter being used for integrated reaction and liquid–liquid
separation. A fatty acid butyl ester yield up to 93% was obtained
in the cascade when operated in a once-through mode. The cascade was
run for 8 h without operational issues. Enzyme recycling was studied
by reintroduction of the water phase from the CCCS outlet to the stirred
tank reactor. Product yield decreased over time to an average of 50%
of the initial value, likely due to accumulation of 1-butanol in water
phase, loss of enzyme due to agglomeration, and the formation of a
separate enzyme layer.
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