Tall Oil Neutralisation

Process description

In the case of tall oil neutralisation, the soaps obtained from the thin liquor are separated from the crude tall oil as a black, viscous liquid by adding an acid. Crude tall oil, depending on its origin, consists of 20 to 65 % resin acids, 15 to 55 % fatty acids and 5 to 30 % unsaponifiable parts. The recovery of crude tall oil can be carried out continuously or discontinuously, the yield is generally between 20 and 50 kg/t pulp.

Gas application

The sulphuric acid used as a neutralising agent during tall oil production can be partially replaced by CO₂. By adding CO₂, the tall soap is adjusted to a neutral pH and the NaHCO₃ liquor separated, which can then be fed to chemical recovery. In a further step, acidification and boiling with sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) is performed. About 50 % of the H₂SO₄ can be replaced by CO₂.

Possible advantages of using this technology:

• Lower sulphate emissions
• Improved control of the Na/S ratio in chemical recovery cycle
• Savings in H₂SO₄ and NaOH

Messer solution

As hardware for the feed and dissolution of carbon dioxide, especially in highly viscous mixtures, especially designed nozzles must be used whose tendency to clog is as low as possible.