Optimization of operating conditions: Application to linear alkylbenzene sulfonation

Abstract

Sulfonation manufacture requires a perfect temperature control during the process to limit by-products production. Expensive strategies are currently used by manufacturers to slow down the reactions in order to avoid a strong temperature increase which could dramatically affect the purity of the final product. In order to obtain a better temperature control, heat transfer must be enhanced. Therefore, within the concept of process intensification, miniaturisation of the process is considered to reduce the technology constraints to the benefit of chemistry. On that purpose, a two-step methodology is implemented to move towards a more sustainable sulfonation process. The first step consists in optimizing operating conditions based on stoichio-chemical scheme and kinetic laws, adjusting temperature profile and feeding rate strategy. Then a process design for a continuous operation is proposed, trying to approach the optimaloperating conditions.