Mathematical modelling of oleic acid epoxidation via a chemo-enzymatic route – From reaction mechanisms to reactor model

The immobilized enzyme lipase acts as an efficient, selective and durable catalyst in the direct transformation of unsaturated carboxylic acids to epoxides, which are used chemical intermediates bio-lubricants. Experimental data obtained from epoxidation a model molecule, oleic acid laboratory-scale isothermal batch reactor were critically evaluated mathematically modelled most precise way. Several rival surface reaction mechanisms proposed rate equations based on these derived. implemented multiphase for kinetic adsorption parameters included estimated with non-linear regression analysis. Based parameter estimation statistics knowledge, plausible models chemo-enzymatic selected. best gave good reproduction experimental data. can be predict performance enzymatic fatty acids.