Page 25 - Microsoft Word - Sulfo and Sulfa 1.doc

Figure 23. SO 3 Absorber System

SO GAS
3
FROM
GAS PLANT

PROCESS
WATER

ABSORBER
TOWER
EFFLUENT
GAS

SEPARATOR
CWS TANK
CWR

98%
SULFURIC ACID

Several types of commercial sulfonators are available. In broad classifications they are
film reactors [6, 7, 8, 9] , including the Chemithon Annular Falling Film Reactor [10, 11, 12] , the
Ballestra [13] , IIT and Siprec multitube film reactors; the Chemithon dispersed phase or jet
reactors [14, 15, 16] ; and stirred tank or cascade type reactors [17] . Film reactors are the most
common in detergent processing for consumer products, especially to produce cosmetic
quality materials from oleo chemical feedstocks. In a film reactor, the organic feedstock
is extruded onto the wall of the reactor (reaction surface) as a continuous film. Organic
feed rate to the reactor vessel is measured by a highly accurate mass flow meter and
controlled by a variable speed driven gear pump. The proper organic feed rate is based
on the preset sulfur-to-organic mole ratio. The SO , diluted with very dry air, flows over
3
the film of organic material. The SO diffuses into the organic film and reacts to form a
3
sulfonic acid. In almost all commercial reactors both the organic and SO flow
3
concurrently from the top of the reactor to the bottom. The heat of reaction is removed
by cooling water which flows through cooling jackets underneath the reaction surface of
the reactor.

Page 24 of 36 © 1997 The Chemithon Corporation