Page 3 - Microsoft Word - Methyl Ester Sulfonate Products 5th Cesio v19,R1.doc

PROCESS

The preferred continuous process for manufacturing concentrated and ultra-concentrated MES
is illustrated in Figure 1 and described in detail elsewhere. 4,5,6 Sulfur trioxide (SO 3) diluted
with air is typically supplied from a sulfur-burning unit coupled to a sulfur dioxide (SO 2) to
SO 3 converter. The sulfonation is done in a Chemithon AFFR with a sulfonic acid recycle
system that reduces the effluent gas particulate load by utilizing a high-efficiency cyclone.
The reactor is continuously cooled with a large flow of tempered water through external
jacketing. The sulfonation is carried out at process temperatures higher than are typical when
making other anionic surfactants. The methyl ester sulfonic acid (MESA) is discharged from
the loop and passes through a plug-flow digester where the MESA temperature is maintained
at 85°C for 0.7 hours.

Figure 1: Continuous Process for the Manufacture of (Ultra-)Concentrated MES

SO 3
Methyl Ester Effluent Gas
ME Feed Sulfonation Treatment

MESA
Digestion

Methanol
MESA Methanol
Bleaching Recovery
50% H 2O 2

50% NaOH Neutralization Stripper
/Dryer

Product
Finishing

CONFIDENTIAL
All information and technical data contained in this proposal are CONFIDENTIAL, are the property of The Chemithon Corporation, and are
to be used only by the addressee to evaluate this proposal. Use, disclosure, distribution or duplication for any other purpose or to any person
or organization except the addressee without prior, written permission from The Chemithon Corporation is strictly prohibited.