Multitube falling-film reactors

The Ballestra Sulfurex multitube falling film reactor (MTFFR)... 

The detergent industry requires process equipment having high operation flexibility, low energy demand, low operation cost, consistent production yield, and, of course, ecological optimization with respect to effluents and air pollution control. To comply with these requirements, the continuous S03/gas sulfonation and double-step neutralization are the basic principles applied in multitube falling film reactor and Neutrex neutralization (Fig. 5). 

The gaseous S03 stream (previously diluted with dry air to a concentration ranging from 7% to 2.5% volume) is then fed to the sulfonation/sulfation section which is based on a multitube falling film reactor having a number of tubes proportional to the plant production capacity (Figs. 8 and 9). The S03 gas is fed to the upper part of the reactor and distributed equally to each reaction tube. 

Ballestra-Mazzoni MTFF reactor Multitube falling film reactor... 

When a latest-generation multitube falling-film reactor [23] is adopted for AO suifonation, the reaction heat is almost completely evolved over a few seconds after the contact between the reactants, and to remove the reaction heat it is necessary to ensure, particularly in the first part of the reactor, an efficient cooling capability, without negatively affecting the viscosity profile of the mass undergoing suifonation. 

There are seven main sulphonation reactor systems used world-wide for SOs/air sulphonation for which there is proven practical and documented experience The Ballestra Sulphurex continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) cascade, the Ballestra Sulphurex F (a multitube falling-film reactor (MT-FFR)) the Chemithon falling-film reactor (FFR), the Chemithon Jet Impact Reactor, the MM falling-film reactor (FFR), the Mazzoni Sulpho film reactor (a multitube falling-film reactor) and the Japanese T-0 FFR reactor system. 

REAGENTS DISTRIBUTION IN THE MULTITUBE FALLING FILM REACTOR... 

A typical example of a falling-film reactor (i.e., Ballestra multitube type film reactor) is shown in Figure 5.12, whereas Figure 5.13 refers to a process scheme of the LAB-SO3 sulfonation section. 

Adami, I. Design criteria, mechanical features, advantage and performance of multitube falling film sulphonation reactor. Tenside Surfact. Det. 41(5), 240-245, 2004. 

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