Internal Olefin Sulfonate Production via Low-Temperature Shear Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing internal olefin sulfonates are insufficient in preventing the by-production of internal olefins and inorganic salts, which affects the quality and performance of the surfactant.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sulfonating step with sulfur trioxide, followed by a neutralizing step where the sulfonated internal olefin is mixed with an aqueous alkaline solution at 40°C or lower and subjected to shearing force to reduce oil droplet size to 10 µm or less, and a hydrolyzing step to produce a high-quality internal olefin sulfonate with reduced impurities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional sulfonation method is used, then internal olefin sulfonate is produced, but internal olefins and inorganic salts are by-produced affecting quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the neutralization temperature at 40°C or lower and using high-shearing force agitation to achieve fine emulsification with oil droplet diameters of 10 μm or less. These parameter optimizations prevent reverse reactions of β-sultone, thereby reducing by-production of internal olefins and inorganic salts while improving product purity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary anti-action by pre-controlling the neutralization conditions (temperature ≤40°C and high shearing force) to prevent the reverse reaction of β-sultone before it can generate harmful by-products. This proactive approach eliminates the formation of internal olefins and inorganic salts rather than treating them after formation
2Productivity
If internal olefin sulfonate is produced by conventional method, then surfactant is obtained, but basic washing performances are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves washing performance and foaming properties by optimizing process parameters: maintaining neutralization temperature at 40°C or lower and applying high-shearing force agitation. These parameter changes produce an internal olefin sulfonate with superior performance characteristics compared to conventional methods
3Ease of manufacture
If neutralization is performed without sufficient mixing, then process is simple, but reverse reactions of β-sultone occur generating impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using high-shearing force agitation during neutralization to create intense mixing conditions. This dynamic approach ensures thorough contact between reactants, preventing reverse reactions of β-sultone and minimizing impurity formation while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-establishing optimal neutralization conditions (temperature control and high-shearing force agitation) before the reaction proceeds. This ensures that the neutralization process immediately achieves effective mixing, preventing reverse reactions and impurity generation from the outset
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively reduces the content of internal olefin and inorganic substances, resulting in a high-quality internal olefin sulfonate with improved washing performance and foaming properties.
Implementation Method 1
a sulfonating step of causing an internal olefin to react with sulfur trioxide to yield a sulfonated internal olefin
Implementation Method 2
a neutralizing step of mixing the resultant sulfonated internal olefin with an aqueous alkaline solution at 40°C or lower to yield a mixture
Implementation Method 3
applying shearing force to the mixture at an agitating speed of 5 m/s or more until the particle diameter of oil droplets of an oily product of the mixture turns to 10 μm or less
Implementation Method 4
mixing the resultant sulfonated internal olefin with an aqueous alkaline solution at 40°C or lower
Implementation Method 5
a hydrolyzing step of hydrolyzing the resultant neutralized product
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for producing a high-quality internal olefin sulfonate in which the content of any internal olefin and inorganic substance is small. This method for producing an internal olefin sulfonate, comprising: a sulfonating step of causing an internal olefin to react with sulfur trioxide to yield a sulfonated internal olefin; a neutralizing step of mixing the resultant sulfonated internal olefin with an aqueous alkaline solution at 40°C or lower to yield a mixture, and applying shearing force to the mixture until the particle diameter of oil droplets of an oily product of the mixture turns to 10 µm or less to yield a neutralized product; and a hydrolyzing step of hydrolyzing the resultant neutralized product.