Page 20 - Microsoft Word - Sulfo and Sulfa 1.doc

olefin sulfonate production, re-esterfication and bleaching equipment for methyl ester
sulfonate production, dioxane strippers for production of ethoxy alcohol sulfates
containing ultra low dioxane levels (less than 10 ppm), and dryers for producing concen-
trated, pure detergent active. Capacities for commercial sulfur burning air/SO
3
sulfonation units range from 250 to 20,000 kg/hr of 100% detergent active. Typically, an
air/SO sulfonation plant is designed to sulfonate with approximately 4–7% (volume)
3
SO . However, if you plan to use ethoxylated alcohol as a major feedstock, the SO gas
3
3
concentration may be as low as 2.75% SO in air to the sulfation systems.
3
Figure 19. Continuous Air/SO 3 Sulfonation

Optional
Sulfur Effluent Gas
Supply SO 3 Treatment
Absorber

SO Gas
3
Generator Sulfonator Neutralizer

Organic Neutralizing Product
Air
Supply Raw Agent
Material

As Figure 20 illustrates, the process air is first compressed to a pressure of approximately
1 kg/cm (15 psig) using either a rotary compressor or a high efficiency centrifugal
2
compressor. In larger sulfonation plants – capacities greater than 4000 kg/hr – the
process air capacity should be adjustable without venting between approximately 60 to
100% of full capacity (while maintaining efficiency). This ability conserves electric
power if the plant is operated at partial capacity.

Page 19 of 36 © 1997 The Chemithon Corporation