Search

Introduction: The implementation of an enzymatic technology capable of operating at high temperatures with a thermostability that allows the hydrolysis of concentrated sucrose solutions; it constitutes a novel alternative in the glucose production process. Objective: To carry out a comparative analysis of the methods of glucose production by acid and enzymatic hydrolysis of sucrose, considering the technology installed in the UEB Derivados Chiquitico Fabregat and the technological conception for the operation using the biocatalyst. Materials and Methods: Mass and energy balances were developed for the installed technology employing acid hydrolysis of sucrose. With the experimental results reported on the use of the thermostable invertase enzyme thermostable invertase enzyme, the kinetic study, the technological conception and the quantification of the currents involved were developed. With these results, a comparative analysis of the annual consumption for the hydrolysis stage and the products generated by both methods was carried out. Results and Discussion: A low output of acid glucose was obtained, while enzymatic hydrolysis evidenced a 1.83 times increase in production. The kinetic behavior of the biocatalyst was adjusted to a first order reaction. The technological design for the use of enzymatic hydrolysis included three bioreactors, a dissolving tank and a heat exchanger, which guarantee a favorable annual production balance. Conclusions: Under conditions of maximum utilization of the installed capacity, the high efficiency of enzymatic glucose and the substitution of aggressive substances guarantee the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]