Abstract: The present invention provides a process which produces high density detergent compositions especially suitable for commercialization as a compact detergent product. The process can be easily retrofitted into existing spray drying detergent-making production plants in that it utilizes existing equipment so as to economize the transition from "tower" based to "non-tower" based detergent manufacturing plants. The process comprises the steps of: (a) agglomerating starting detergent ingredients in a mixer/densifier such that detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l are formed; (b) conditioning the agglomerates in a spray-drying tower so as to enhance the free flowability of the detergent agglomerates: and (c) admixing adjunct detergent ingredients in the detergent agglomerates, thereby producing the high density granular detergent composition.

Abstract: A process for making detergent builder agglomerates by mixing crystalline aluminosilicate or layered silicate detergent builder with selected binder in an energy-intensive mixer to form free flowing agglomerates. The binder is an anionic synthetic surfactant paste or a water-soluble polymer containing at least about 50% by weight of ethylene oxide, and optionally may contain minor amounts of ethoxylated nonionic surfactant. The agglomerates are also substantially free of amorphous alkali metal silicates if free water is present.