Abstract: This invention provides a continuous process for the preparation of a surfactant, the process comprises the step of mixing a first component comprising a surfactant acid precursor with a second component comprising at least a molar equivalent amount of a neutralizing agent by using one or more static mixers characterized in that the neutralizing agent is added in one proportion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pouched cleaning composition wherein the pouch is constructed from a water-soluble film and contains a liquid composition comprising less than 5% by weight of the liquid composition, of water; an anionic surfactant; and at least 0.5% by weight of the liquid composition of a builder/chelant free of C8-22 alkyl or alkenyl chains characterized by a solubility in said liquid composition of less than 0.3% by weight. Such pouched cleaning compositions provide better cleaning performance and better pouch solubility while avoiding the formation of residues.

Abstract: A surfactant agglomerate is disclosed which has a reduced tendency to gel upon contact with water, and has an improved dissolution profile in water. The surfactant agglomerate comprises a water-soluble salt of acetate in close proximity with the surfactant.

Abstract: A process for conditioning pastes comprising at least 40% by weight of anionic surfactant is provided. The paste is conditioned by mixing alkyl sulphate powder with the surfactant paste in a ratio of at least 1 part powder to 100 parts paste. This conditioning step increases the viscosity of the surfactant paste. The conditioned paste is processed into agglomerates by granulating with builder powders wherein the ratio of high viscosity paste to builder powder is from 9:1 to 1:5. This process enables detergent agglomerates with high surfactant activity to be formed.

Abstract: A process for making a free-flowing granular detergent contemplates mixing an aqueous surfactant paste that has a detergency activity of at least 40% with a dry detergency powder to form a mix, rapidly forming a uniform mixture at a temperature of from about 20.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C., and then granulating the mixture into discrete detergent granules by a high-speed mixing. Surfactant pastes used in the present invention contain at least one anionic surfactant and the mixing and granulating steps of the process occur either simultaneously or immediately sequentially.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a free flowing granular detergent comprising: conditioning of an aqueous surfactant paste having a detergency activity of at least 40%; rapidly forming a uniform stiff paste from said mix at a paste temperature of from 20.degree. to 90.degree. C.; granulating said paste upon mixing with a dry detergent powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing improved color surfactant agglomerates, particularly comprising methyl ester sulfonates, for use in detergent compositions, said process comprising sulfonation of methyl ester, digestion of the sulfonation product, esterification of said sulfonated product to produce an acid product and agglomeration of said acid product, characterized in that said acid product is exposed to a solid bleaching agent immediately prior to or during agglomeration of said acid product.