Answer Happy

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), the world's largest-volume synthetic surfactant, which includes the various salts of sulfonated alkylbenzenes, is widely used in household detergents as well as in numerous industrial applications. LABSA is manufactured by following chemical reaction Figure 7. Sulfuric Acid / Oleum U H- 0 - S - 0 - H + @ (CHDu - CH, O Sulfuric acid 4 benzene @ (CH): - CH, + Ho Alky benzene sulfonic acid Water The manufacturer of LABSA approached to VNIT and informed that during manufacturing 1) He has to use 3.5 times excess Conc Sulphuric acid (98%) than the stoichiometric requirement 2) During the reaction H20 is produced which dilutes Sulphuric acid reactant hence excess amount of Conc Sulphuric acid is needed 3) At the end of reaction unreacted dilute (78%) sulphuric acid remains which puts burden on effluent treatment. 4) The process uses excess hazardous chemicals even produces effluent which is harmful to the environment. You Being the student of PDE course, suggest process modification in recycle/process/separation such that 1) Excess use of sulphuric acid is reduced and thus production of hazardous effluent Your answer should have suitable reference. Marking : Drawing a PFD (1) Process Alternative with suitable justification and reference (2) Possible tradeoffs (02) in terms of cost, operation, environment, technology (02) P.S. refer literature to understand the process