Patent ID: 6313336
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: C07G,C10M

Abstract:
A process for using sludge formed in the preparation of a overbased sulfurized alkylphenate, wherein said sludge is separated from the overbased sulfurized alkylphenate, wherein said sludge comprises overbased sulfurized alkylphenate, alkaline earth metal salt, alkaline earth metal base, and other impurities, said process comprising:(a) passing said sludge through a phase separation system to form a lower density fraction overbased sulfurized alkylphenate and reduced levels of alkaline earth metal salt, alkaline earth metal base, and other impurities, and a higher density fraction having increased levels of said alkaline earth metal salt, alkaline earth metal base, and other impurities;(b) treating said lower density fraction with an acidic reactant, to convert large particles of the alkaline earth metal salt in the lower density fraction into calcium sulfonate, wherein at least one equivalent of acidic reactant is used for each equivalent of alkaline earth metal salt; and(c) reacting said treated lower density fraction with alkylphenol, sulfur, and an excess of alkaline earth base to produce a reaction product containing additional overbased sulfurized alkylphenate and additional sludge.