Abstract Continuous enzymatic catalyzed reactive distillation (eRD) is a new process that can reduce product inhibition and the need for additional purification steps. However, the enzymatic catalyst is exposed to markedly different conditions than in conventional processes. The enzyme stability, a crucial cost factor, has not been investigated for the application in an eRD and the underlying mechanisms for catalyst deactivation are still unknown. This article presents for the first time a comprehensive study on the scale and causes of enzyme activity reduction in eRD processes. Pilot plant experiments with the transesterification of butyl acetate with hexanol catalyzed by Novozyme 435 confirm the existence of a process window with high reaction rates and low activity loss. The remaining activity after 320 h of operation is investigated in each reactive packing, leading to a new found cause of activity reduction that has so far not been considered for enzymatic catalyzed reactive distillation. The results allow for a better design and operation of eRD processes and the development of enzyme immobilisates that cater to the specific needs of integrated operation.

中文翻译：

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酶催化反应精馏中催化剂活性损失的规模及原因

摘要 连续酶催化反应蒸馏 (eRD) 是一种新工艺，可以减少产物抑制和额外纯化步骤的需要。然而，酶催化剂暴露于与常规方法明显不同的条件下。酶稳定性是一个关键的成本因素，尚未针对在 eRD 中的应用进行研究，催化剂失活的潜在机制仍然未知。本文首次对 eRD 过程中酶活性降低的规模和原因进行了全面的研究。由 Novozyme 435 催化的乙酸丁酯与己醇酯交换的中试工厂实验证实存在具有高反应速率和低活性损失的工艺窗口。在每个反应性填料中研究了运行 320 小时后的剩余活性，导致新发现的活性降低原因，迄今为止尚未考虑用于酶催化反应蒸馏。结果允许更好地设计和操作 eRD 过程以及开发满足集成操作特定需求的酶固定物。