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EVALUATION OF PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON ENZYMATIC TRANSESTERIFICATION OF ETHYL ESTERS.

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The enzymatic transesterification is known as a potential alternative to replace the conventional catalysis, acid or basic, presenting as an advantage the no requirement for treatment of the wastewater from this process. In this way, it reduces the solvent amount. Aiming a shorter process, this work carried out a direct transesterification, consisting in extraction and reaction at the same time. The biomass used was from the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, using an enzymatic catalyst (Novozym 435) associated with a pressurized fluid (Propane). The effect of pressure and temperature, ranging from 59,5 to 200,5 bar and 46,9 to 68,1 °C, respectively, were analyzed on the conversion to ethyl ethers. The highest conversion yield from microalgae biomass to ethyl ester observed was 74,39% weight biomass. This study showed relevance for the evaluation of the variables studied in this process.