Page 29 - Microsoft Word - Sulfo and Sulfa 1.doc

Figure 26. Ballestra Multi-Tube Film Sulfonator

SO Gas
3
SO Gas Nozzles
3
Organic Feed
Cooling Water

Cooling Water
Cooling Water

Reaction Tubes
Cooling Water

Cooling Water

Product and Exhaust Gas

Effluent process gases leaving the sulfonation system or SO absorber are virtually free
3
of residual SO , but contain any unconverted SO gas and entrained particulate anionic
2
3
materials (acidic mists of sulfonic and sulfuric acids). This gas stream is not suitable for
direct discharge to atmosphere. The recommended clean-up system, shown in Figure 28,
employs an electrostatic precipitator designed to collect particulate mists and a packed
tower scrubber to absorb SO gas in a dilute caustic. Final effluent gases cleaned to
2
3
contain less than 5 ppm SO and less than 10 mg/m combined sulfate mist and
2
v
neutralized organic mist are suitable for discharge to the atmosphere.

Page 28 of 36 © 1997 The Chemithon Corporation