Commodity and specialty-grade rubbers, such as styrene-butadiene (SBR) or nitrile-butadiene (NBR), are industrially produced in large trains of continuous reactors using an emulsion polymerization process. Both SBR and NBR systems are largely unstudied. Furthermore, the studies that have been published on NBR have been typically limited to issues concerning the characteristics of the product behaviour (i.e. oil/fuel resistance, tensile strength, hardness, compression set). In this work a detailed mathematical model has been developed in order to simulate the industrial production of NBR via emulsion copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and butadiene (Bd) in batch, continuous and trains of continuous reactors. Model predictions include monomer conversion, polymerization rate, copolymer composition, number- and weight-average molecular weights, tri- and tetra-functional branching frequencies, and the number and average size of polymer latex particles. NBR is typically produced at low temperatures (5 to 10 degrees C) using a redox initiation system to generate free radicals. The system is typically composed of three phases, water, polymer particles, and monomer. Surfactants and electrolytes are used to stabilize the particle and monomer phases as polymerization proceeds. Of particular industrial importance, in today's world of tailor-made products, is detailed control over the polymerization reaction. Such control requires a deep understanding of the influence of various reactant feed rates and reactor operating conditions on the process response. In particular, policies to minimize copolymer composition drift and to control molecular weight, polydispersity and chain branching at desirable levels. The model is cast in a dynamic form using ordinary differential equations to describe the change of each species, the average number of particles, total average polymer volume, and the first three leading moments of the molecular weight distribution. With a multiphase system it is necessary to determine the concentration of each component in each phase. For this, a constant partition coefficient approach was adopted, as opposed to a purely thermodynamic approach. Particle generation was modelled considering both micellar and homogeneous mechanisms. Model parameters were obtained from the open literature or arrived at after sensitivity analysis. Simulations starting the reactors full of water, feeding all ingredients to the first reactor and using an average residence time of 60 minutes revealed considerable copolymer drift starting in the forth reactor (33% conversion), and heightened molecular weights and chain branching once the monomer phase disappeared (50% conversion). Further simulations revealed that both copolymer drift and the growth of molecular weight and branching could be controlled through additional feed streams of AN and chain transfer agent to downstream reactors. Furthermore, polymer productivity could be increased by appropriately splitting the total monomer feed between the first couple of reactors in the train.

Commodity and specialty-grade rubbers, such as styrene-butadiene (SBR) or nitrile-butadiene (NBR), are industrially produced in large trains of continuous reactors using an emulsion polymerization process. Both SBR and NBR systems are largely unstudied. Furthermore, the studies that have been published on NBR have been typically limited to issues concerning the characteristics of the product behaviour (i.e. oil/fuel resistance, tensile strength, hardness, compression set). In this work a detailed mathematical model has been developed in order to simulate the industrial production of NBR via emulsion copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and butadiene (Bd) in batch, continuous and trains of continuous reactors. Model predictions include monomer conversion, polymerization rate, copolymer composition, number- and weight-average molecular weights, tri- and tetra-functional branching frequencies, and the number and average size of polymer latex particles. NBR is typically produced at low temperatures (5 to 10 degrees C) using a redox initiation system to generate free radicals. The system is typically composed of three phases, water, polymer particles, and monomer. Surfactants and electrolytes are used to stabilize the particle and monomer phases as polymerization proceeds. Of particular industrial importance, in today's world of tailor-made products, is detailed control over the polymerization reaction. Such control requires a deep understanding of the influence of various reactant feed rates and reactor operating conditions on the process response. In particular, policies to minimize copolymer composition drift and to control molecular weight, polydispersity and chain branching at desirable levels. The model is cast in a dynamic form using ordinary differential equations to describe the change of each species, the average number of particles, total average polymer volume, and the first three leading moments of the molecular weight distribution. With a multiphase system it is necessary to determine the concentration of each component in each phase. For this, a constant partition coefficient approach was adopted, as opposed to a purely thermodynamic approach. Particle generation was modelled considering both micellar and homogeneous mechanisms. Model parameters were obtained from the open literature or arrived at after sensitivity analysis. Simulations starting the reactors full of water, feeding all ingredients to the first reactor and using an average residence time of 60 minutes revealed considerable copolymer drift starting in the forth reactor (33% conversion), and heightened molecular weights and chain branching once the monomer phase disappeared (50% conversion). Further simulations revealed that both copolymer drift and the growth of molecular weight and branching could be controlled through additional feed streams of AN and chain transfer agent to downstream reactors. Furthermore, polymer productivity could be increased by appropriately splitting the total monomer feed between the first couple of reactors in the train.

O processo de transesterificação de óleos vegetais para a síntese de biodiesel por catálise básica tem sido utilizado largamente em escala industrial e altas conversões são obtidas. Entretanto, uma grande quantidade de água é necessária para a purificação dos ésteres, gerando altos volumes de rejeitos aquosos inadequados para descarte, e dessa forma, a utilização de síntese enzimática catalisada por lipases imobilizadas destaca-se como uma alternativa ao método alcalino. Este trabalho teve como objetivo aperfeiçoar a produção de biodiesel a partir de diferentes fontes de óleos vegetais por diferentes lipases imobilizadas comercialmente. Na primeira fase do trabalho foi realizada uma análise dos principais fatores envolvidos na síntese enzimática de biodiesel, com foco nos parâmetros envolvidos na escolha e na configuração dos reatores. Uma extensa discussão foi apresentada sobre as vantagens e desvantagens de cada tipo de reator e seu modo de funcionamento. O cenário atual do mercado de síntese enzimática de biodiesel e algumas perspectivas futuras também foram apresentadas. Na segunda etapa desta pesquisa foi testado o conceito “combi-lipase”, que se baseia no uso de misturas de lipases com diferentes especificidades para a cadeia molecular de um óleo em particular (o substrato). Neste caso, foram utilizadas as lipases comerciais imobilizadas Novozym 435 (CALB), Lipozyme TL-IM (TLL), e Lipozyme RM-IM (RML) como biocatalisadoras na síntese de biodiesel via transesterificação enzimática dos óleos de oliva e palma, com etanol como aceptor acila. Repetidas reações em batelada foram realizadas para testar a estabilidade operacional do sistema combi-lipase, em que elas puderam ser usadas em pelo menos sete ciclos, mantendo em torno de 80 % da sua atividade inicial. Dando sequencia ao conceito de combi-lipase, na terceira etapa dessa pesquisa, foi avaliada a utilização de substratos alternativos, como os provenientes de fritura doméstica e comercial, comparada ao óleo de soja. As reações foram conduzidas em banho de ultrassom, com a otimização dos parâmetros razão molar etanol:óleo, quantidade de água adicionada na reação e quantidade de biocatalisador (previamente à definição da composição do combi-lipase). O uso de tecnologia de ultrassom, concomitante com a aplicação de misturas de enzimas com diferentes preços de aquisição e uso de óleos residuais apresentou excelentes rendimentos, com 90 % (com óleo de soja) e 70 % (com óleo residual) de conversão de biodiesel. Na última etapa deste trabalho, foi conduzida a síntese contínua de biodiesel em um reator de leito empacotado (PBR) com o uso de etanol e dos substratos óleos de soja e óleo residual, utilizando combi-lipase com biocatalisador. Após a otimização de alguns parâmetros de reação, foram definidas as seguintes condições: utilização de pérolas de vidro misturada ao combi-lipase para compor o leito enzimático; uso de terc-butanol como solvente de reação e velocidade de fluxo de 0,08 mL min-1. O combi-lipase apresentou excelente estabilidade operacional, e o reator manteve-se operando continuamente por 30 dias em estado estacionário. Independente do tipo de substrato empregado, o rendimento de conversão manteve-se em torno de 50 %, com produtividade de 1,94 gbiodiesel gsubstrato-1 h-1. / The process of transesterification of vegetable oils for biodiesel synthesis catalyzed by alkalis has been widely used on an industrial scale and high conversions are obtained. However, a large amount of water is required for the purification of esters, generating large amounts of aqueous wastes, unsuitable for disposal. Therefore, the enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel using immobilized lipases as biocatalysts stands as an alternative to the alkaline method. This work aimed at enhancing the production of biodiesel from different sources of vegetable oils using different immobilized commercially available lipases. In the first step of the work, an analysis of the main factors involved in enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel was carried out, focusing on choices of immobilization protocol and parameters involved in the selection and configuration of the reactors. An extensive discussion is presented on the advantages and disadvantages of each type of reactor and its operation. The current scenario of the enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel market and some future prospects are also presented. In the second stage of this study it was tested the concept "combi-lipase", which is based on the use of lipase mixtures with different specificities for a particular oil, the substrate. The immobilized commercial lipases Novozym 435 (CALB), Lipozyme TL-IM (TLL), and Lipozyme RM-IM (RML) were used as biocatalysts in enzymatic transesterification of biodiesel from olive and palm oils, with ethanol as acyl acceptor. Repeated batches of reaction were carried out in order to test the operational stability of the combi-lipase systems, with results showing that they could be used for at least seven cycles keeping higher than 80 % of their initial activities. Following the concept of combi-lipase, in the third stage of this research, it was evaluated the use of alternative substrates, such as waste frying oils, compared to soybean oil. The reactions were conducted in an ultrasonic bath, with the optimization of the molar ratio of ethanol: oil, amount of water added in the reaction and amount of biocatalyst (prior to the definition of the combi-lipase composition). The use of ultrasonic technology, concomitant with the application of mixtures of enzymes with different acquisition and use prices of residual oils presented excellent yields, with 90 % (with soybean oil) and 70 % (with residual oil) of biodiesel conversion. Finally, in the last stage of this work, the combi-lipase concept was applied in the continuous ethanolysis of biodiesel in a packed bed reactor (PBR) with the use of soybean and waste oils as substrates. After optimization of some reaction parameters, the following conditions were defined: use of glass beads mixed with lipases to compose the enzymatic bed; Use of tert-butanol as reaction solvents and flow rate of 0.08 mL min-1. The combi-lipase presented excellent operational stability, and the reactor was continuously operated for 30 days at steady state. Regardless of the type of substrate used, the conversion yield remained around 50 %, with productivity of 1.94 gbiodiesel gsubstrate-1 h-1.

O processo de transesterificação de óleos vegetais para a síntese de biodiesel por catálise básica tem sido utilizado largamente em escala industrial e altas conversões são obtidas. Entretanto, uma grande quantidade de água é necessária para a purificação dos ésteres, gerando altos volumes de rejeitos aquosos inadequados para descarte, e dessa forma, a utilização de síntese enzimática catalisada por lipases imobilizadas destaca-se como uma alternativa ao método alcalino. Este trabalho teve como objetivo aperfeiçoar a produção de biodiesel a partir de diferentes fontes de óleos vegetais por diferentes lipases imobilizadas comercialmente. Na primeira fase do trabalho foi realizada uma análise dos principais fatores envolvidos na síntese enzimática de biodiesel, com foco nos parâmetros envolvidos na escolha e na configuração dos reatores. Uma extensa discussão foi apresentada sobre as vantagens e desvantagens de cada tipo de reator e seu modo de funcionamento. O cenário atual do mercado de síntese enzimática de biodiesel e algumas perspectivas futuras também foram apresentadas. Na segunda etapa desta pesquisa foi testado o conceito “combi-lipase”, que se baseia no uso de misturas de lipases com diferentes especificidades para a cadeia molecular de um óleo em particular (o substrato). Neste caso, foram utilizadas as lipases comerciais imobilizadas Novozym 435 (CALB), Lipozyme TL-IM (TLL), e Lipozyme RM-IM (RML) como biocatalisadoras na síntese de biodiesel via transesterificação enzimática dos óleos de oliva e palma, com etanol como aceptor acila. Repetidas reações em batelada foram realizadas para testar a estabilidade operacional do sistema combi-lipase, em que elas puderam ser usadas em pelo menos sete ciclos, mantendo em torno de 80 % da sua atividade inicial. Dando sequencia ao conceito de combi-lipase, na terceira etapa dessa pesquisa, foi avaliada a utilização de substratos alternativos, como os provenientes de fritura doméstica e comercial, comparada ao óleo de soja. As reações foram conduzidas em banho de ultrassom, com a otimização dos parâmetros razão molar etanol:óleo, quantidade de água adicionada na reação e quantidade de biocatalisador (previamente à definição da composição do combi-lipase). O uso de tecnologia de ultrassom, concomitante com a aplicação de misturas de enzimas com diferentes preços de aquisição e uso de óleos residuais apresentou excelentes rendimentos, com 90 % (com óleo de soja) e 70 % (com óleo residual) de conversão de biodiesel. Na última etapa deste trabalho, foi conduzida a síntese contínua de biodiesel em um reator de leito empacotado (PBR) com o uso de etanol e dos substratos óleos de soja e óleo residual, utilizando combi-lipase com biocatalisador. Após a otimização de alguns parâmetros de reação, foram definidas as seguintes condições: utilização de pérolas de vidro misturada ao combi-lipase para compor o leito enzimático; uso de terc-butanol como solvente de reação e velocidade de fluxo de 0,08 mL min-1. O combi-lipase apresentou excelente estabilidade operacional, e o reator manteve-se operando continuamente por 30 dias em estado estacionário. Independente do tipo de substrato empregado, o rendimento de conversão manteve-se em torno de 50 %, com produtividade de 1,94 gbiodiesel gsubstrato-1 h-1. / The process of transesterification of vegetable oils for biodiesel synthesis catalyzed by alkalis has been widely used on an industrial scale and high conversions are obtained. However, a large amount of water is required for the purification of esters, generating large amounts of aqueous wastes, unsuitable for disposal. Therefore, the enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel using immobilized lipases as biocatalysts stands as an alternative to the alkaline method. This work aimed at enhancing the production of biodiesel from different sources of vegetable oils using different immobilized commercially available lipases. In the first step of the work, an analysis of the main factors involved in enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel was carried out, focusing on choices of immobilization protocol and parameters involved in the selection and configuration of the reactors. An extensive discussion is presented on the advantages and disadvantages of each type of reactor and its operation. The current scenario of the enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel market and some future prospects are also presented. In the second stage of this study it was tested the concept "combi-lipase", which is based on the use of lipase mixtures with different specificities for a particular oil, the substrate. The immobilized commercial lipases Novozym 435 (CALB), Lipozyme TL-IM (TLL), and Lipozyme RM-IM (RML) were used as biocatalysts in enzymatic transesterification of biodiesel from olive and palm oils, with ethanol as acyl acceptor. Repeated batches of reaction were carried out in order to test the operational stability of the combi-lipase systems, with results showing that they could be used for at least seven cycles keeping higher than 80 % of their initial activities. Following the concept of combi-lipase, in the third stage of this research, it was evaluated the use of alternative substrates, such as waste frying oils, compared to soybean oil. The reactions were conducted in an ultrasonic bath, with the optimization of the molar ratio of ethanol: oil, amount of water added in the reaction and amount of biocatalyst (prior to the definition of the combi-lipase composition). The use of ultrasonic technology, concomitant with the application of mixtures of enzymes with different acquisition and use prices of residual oils presented excellent yields, with 90 % (with soybean oil) and 70 % (with residual oil) of biodiesel conversion. Finally, in the last stage of this work, the combi-lipase concept was applied in the continuous ethanolysis of biodiesel in a packed bed reactor (PBR) with the use of soybean and waste oils as substrates. After optimization of some reaction parameters, the following conditions were defined: use of glass beads mixed with lipases to compose the enzymatic bed; Use of tert-butanol as reaction solvents and flow rate of 0.08 mL min-1. The combi-lipase presented excellent operational stability, and the reactor was continuously operated for 30 days at steady state. Regardless of the type of substrate used, the conversion yield remained around 50 %, with productivity of 1.94 gbiodiesel gsubstrate-1 h-1.

O processo de transesterificação de óleos vegetais para a síntese de biodiesel por catálise básica tem sido utilizado largamente em escala industrial e altas conversões são obtidas. Entretanto, uma grande quantidade de água é necessária para a purificação dos ésteres, gerando altos volumes de rejeitos aquosos inadequados para descarte, e dessa forma, a utilização de síntese enzimática catalisada por lipases imobilizadas destaca-se como uma alternativa ao método alcalino. Este trabalho teve como objetivo aperfeiçoar a produção de biodiesel a partir de diferentes fontes de óleos vegetais por diferentes lipases imobilizadas comercialmente. Na primeira fase do trabalho foi realizada uma análise dos principais fatores envolvidos na síntese enzimática de biodiesel, com foco nos parâmetros envolvidos na escolha e na configuração dos reatores. Uma extensa discussão foi apresentada sobre as vantagens e desvantagens de cada tipo de reator e seu modo de funcionamento. O cenário atual do mercado de síntese enzimática de biodiesel e algumas perspectivas futuras também foram apresentadas. Na segunda etapa desta pesquisa foi testado o conceito “combi-lipase”, que se baseia no uso de misturas de lipases com diferentes especificidades para a cadeia molecular de um óleo em particular (o substrato). Neste caso, foram utilizadas as lipases comerciais imobilizadas Novozym 435 (CALB), Lipozyme TL-IM (TLL), e Lipozyme RM-IM (RML) como biocatalisadoras na síntese de biodiesel via transesterificação enzimática dos óleos de oliva e palma, com etanol como aceptor acila. Repetidas reações em batelada foram realizadas para testar a estabilidade operacional do sistema combi-lipase, em que elas puderam ser usadas em pelo menos sete ciclos, mantendo em torno de 80 % da sua atividade inicial. Dando sequencia ao conceito de combi-lipase, na terceira etapa dessa pesquisa, foi avaliada a utilização de substratos alternativos, como os provenientes de fritura doméstica e comercial, comparada ao óleo de soja. As reações foram conduzidas em banho de ultrassom, com a otimização dos parâmetros razão molar etanol:óleo, quantidade de água adicionada na reação e quantidade de biocatalisador (previamente à definição da composição do combi-lipase). O uso de tecnologia de ultrassom, concomitante com a aplicação de misturas de enzimas com diferentes preços de aquisição e uso de óleos residuais apresentou excelentes rendimentos, com 90 % (com óleo de soja) e 70 % (com óleo residual) de conversão de biodiesel. Na última etapa deste trabalho, foi conduzida a síntese contínua de biodiesel em um reator de leito empacotado (PBR) com o uso de etanol e dos substratos óleos de soja e óleo residual, utilizando combi-lipase com biocatalisador. Após a otimização de alguns parâmetros de reação, foram definidas as seguintes condições: utilização de pérolas de vidro misturada ao combi-lipase para compor o leito enzimático; uso de terc-butanol como solvente de reação e velocidade de fluxo de 0,08 mL min-1. O combi-lipase apresentou excelente estabilidade operacional, e o reator manteve-se operando continuamente por 30 dias em estado estacionário. Independente do tipo de substrato empregado, o rendimento de conversão manteve-se em torno de 50 %, com produtividade de 1,94 gbiodiesel gsubstrato-1 h-1. / The process of transesterification of vegetable oils for biodiesel synthesis catalyzed by alkalis has been widely used on an industrial scale and high conversions are obtained. However, a large amount of water is required for the purification of esters, generating large amounts of aqueous wastes, unsuitable for disposal. Therefore, the enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel using immobilized lipases as biocatalysts stands as an alternative to the alkaline method. This work aimed at enhancing the production of biodiesel from different sources of vegetable oils using different immobilized commercially available lipases. In the first step of the work, an analysis of the main factors involved in enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel was carried out, focusing on choices of immobilization protocol and parameters involved in the selection and configuration of the reactors. An extensive discussion is presented on the advantages and disadvantages of each type of reactor and its operation. The current scenario of the enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel market and some future prospects are also presented. In the second stage of this study it was tested the concept "combi-lipase", which is based on the use of lipase mixtures with different specificities for a particular oil, the substrate. The immobilized commercial lipases Novozym 435 (CALB), Lipozyme TL-IM (TLL), and Lipozyme RM-IM (RML) were used as biocatalysts in enzymatic transesterification of biodiesel from olive and palm oils, with ethanol as acyl acceptor. Repeated batches of reaction were carried out in order to test the operational stability of the combi-lipase systems, with results showing that they could be used for at least seven cycles keeping higher than 80 % of their initial activities. Following the concept of combi-lipase, in the third stage of this research, it was evaluated the use of alternative substrates, such as waste frying oils, compared to soybean oil. The reactions were conducted in an ultrasonic bath, with the optimization of the molar ratio of ethanol: oil, amount of water added in the reaction and amount of biocatalyst (prior to the definition of the combi-lipase composition). The use of ultrasonic technology, concomitant with the application of mixtures of enzymes with different acquisition and use prices of residual oils presented excellent yields, with 90 % (with soybean oil) and 70 % (with residual oil) of biodiesel conversion. Finally, in the last stage of this work, the combi-lipase concept was applied in the continuous ethanolysis of biodiesel in a packed bed reactor (PBR) with the use of soybean and waste oils as substrates. After optimization of some reaction parameters, the following conditions were defined: use of glass beads mixed with lipases to compose the enzymatic bed; Use of tert-butanol as reaction solvents and flow rate of 0.08 mL min-1. The combi-lipase presented excellent operational stability, and the reactor was continuously operated for 30 days at steady state. Regardless of the type of substrate used, the conversion yield remained around 50 %, with productivity of 1.94 gbiodiesel gsubstrate-1 h-1.

A sacarose é uma matéria-prima, cuja produção é considerada ecologicamente correta, sendo o Brasil seu maior produtor e exportador. O dissacarídeo pode ser convertido, através de um processo multienzimático, em substâncias de maior valor agregado: frutose e ácido glicônico, as quais são importadas pelo Brasil, tendo amplo uso nos setores químico, farmacêutico e alimentício. A conversão foi feita através da ação da invertase, glicose oxidase e catalase, utilizando os reatores descontínuo e contínuo. No procedimento utilizando reator descontínuo, o tempo de residência é igual para reagentes, produtos e catalisador. Neste caso as enzimas foram adicionadas seqüencialmente, em um primeiro momento, e na segunda etapa foram adicionadas simultaneamente. Os parâmetros de partida, a saber, concentração inicial de sacarose, pH, temperatura e atividades enzimáticas, foram testados em diferentes quantidades no intuito de encontrar a mistura inicial mais eficiente na conversão do substrato. No procedimento contínuo, utilizou-se reator com membrana, da marca MILLIPORE®, que permite integrar em uma única etapa a conversão catalítica, a separação/concentração do produto e a recuperação do biocatalisador. A temperatura foi controlada por circulação de água, tendo acoplado uma bomba peristáltica (para controlar a vazão de alimentação do substrato) e um sistema de pressurização. O reator operou com membrana de ultrafiltração (corte molecular = 100 kDa) e foi mantido sob agitação constante. Os parâmetros de partida, neste reator, foram fixados de acordo com os valores otimizados no reator descontínuo com o emprego simultâneo das enzimas. / Sucrose is produced in large amount in Brazil, being a worldwide commercialized commodity. However, it can be converted into more valuable products such as fructose and gluconic acid, both used largely in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industry. Conversion occurred through the action of invertase, glucose oxidase and catalase, using the discontinuous and continuous reactors. In the batch reactor, the residence time is equal to reactants, products and catalyst. In this case, enzymes were added sequentially, at first, and in the second step were added simultaneously. Boot parameters, initial sucrose concentration, pH, temperature and enzyme activities were tested in different amounts in order to find the most efficient initial mixture to the conversion of the substrate. In continuous process, we used the membrane reactor, MILLIPORE®, which allows for one-step catalytic conversion, the separation / concentration of the product and recovery of the biocatalyst. The temperature was controlled by circulation of water, coupled with a peristaltic pump (to control the feed flow of the substrate) and a pressurization system. The reactor was operated with ultrafiltration membrane (molecular cutoff = 100 kDa) and was kept under constant agitation. The initial parameters in this reactor were set according to the values optimized in the batch reactor with the simultaneous use of enzymes.

A sacarose é uma matéria-prima, cuja produção é considerada ecologicamente correta, sendo o Brasil seu maior produtor e exportador. O dissacarídeo pode ser convertido, através de um processo multienzimático, em substâncias de maior valor agregado: frutose e ácido glicônico, as quais são importadas pelo Brasil, tendo amplo uso nos setores químico, farmacêutico e alimentício. A conversão foi feita através da ação da invertase, glicose oxidase e catalase, utilizando os reatores descontínuo e contínuo. No procedimento utilizando reator descontínuo, o tempo de residência é igual para reagentes, produtos e catalisador. Neste caso as enzimas foram adicionadas seqüencialmente, em um primeiro momento, e na segunda etapa foram adicionadas simultaneamente. Os parâmetros de partida, a saber, concentração inicial de sacarose, pH, temperatura e atividades enzimáticas, foram testados em diferentes quantidades no intuito de encontrar a mistura inicial mais eficiente na conversão do substrato. No procedimento contínuo, utilizou-se reator com membrana, da marca MILLIPORE®, que permite integrar em uma única etapa a conversão catalítica, a separação/concentração do produto e a recuperação do biocatalisador. A temperatura foi controlada por circulação de água, tendo acoplado uma bomba peristáltica (para controlar a vazão de alimentação do substrato) e um sistema de pressurização. O reator operou com membrana de ultrafiltração (corte molecular = 100 kDa) e foi mantido sob agitação constante. Os parâmetros de partida, neste reator, foram fixados de acordo com os valores otimizados no reator descontínuo com o emprego simultâneo das enzimas. / Sucrose is produced in large amount in Brazil, being a worldwide commercialized commodity. However, it can be converted into more valuable products such as fructose and gluconic acid, both used largely in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industry. Conversion occurred through the action of invertase, glucose oxidase and catalase, using the discontinuous and continuous reactors. In the batch reactor, the residence time is equal to reactants, products and catalyst. In this case, enzymes were added sequentially, at first, and in the second step were added simultaneously. Boot parameters, initial sucrose concentration, pH, temperature and enzyme activities were tested in different amounts in order to find the most efficient initial mixture to the conversion of the substrate. In continuous process, we used the membrane reactor, MILLIPORE®, which allows for one-step catalytic conversion, the separation / concentration of the product and recovery of the biocatalyst. The temperature was controlled by circulation of water, coupled with a peristaltic pump (to control the feed flow of the substrate) and a pressurization system. The reactor was operated with ultrafiltration membrane (molecular cutoff = 100 kDa) and was kept under constant agitation. The initial parameters in this reactor were set according to the values optimized in the batch reactor with the simultaneous use of enzymes.