Page 13 - Microsoft Word - Sulfo and Sulfa 1.doc

reaction mixture is sent to a second degasser where the HCl separation is completed. The
HCl is continuously absorbed into water and the acid mixture is continuously neutralized.
Several companies including Henkel use continuous chlorosulfation technology for
making detergent actives. The process is economically viable if a source for the HCl is
available and if the product, which contains some residual chloride ion, is acceptable.

Oleum and Sulfuric Acid Sulfonation Equipment

Oleum and sulfuric acid can be used to sulfonate aromatics and alcohols in either batch
or continuous equipment. For detergent alkylates, the batch equipment is very similar to
other processes. As shown in Figure 14, the required equipment is a stirred, sealed, glass
lined or stainless steel kettle with a provision

Figure 13. Continuous Alcohol Sulfation with Chlorosulfonic Acid

Ejector

Ejector
First Cooler
Stage Cooler
Degasser Second
Stage Surge
Degasser Tank Hydrochloric
Acid
Mixing Pump
Alcohol Gear Pump Mixing Water
from Pump
Storage Neutralizer

Gear Pump
Chloro- Neutralized
sulfonic Detergent
Acid from Proportioning Slurry
Storage Pump
Hydrochloric Acid
Sulfation Absorption System

for heating and cooling. The detergent alkylate is first added to the reaction vessel then
the oleum is slowly added over a period of several hours. The reaction is highly
exothermic and the oleum addition rate is determined by the ability to remove the heat of
reaction. The temperature should be maintained below 35°C for optimum product
quality. Frequently the heat of reaction is removed by pumping the reaction mixture

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