Abstract: A single-step process for the continuous preparation of a granular detergent composition or component, whereby 20 to 45% of a liquid acid precursor of an anionic surfactant, and at least an equivalent amount of a solid water-soluble alkaline inorganic material are continuously fed into a high-speed mixer/densifier, the mean residence time being from about 5 to 30 seconds, whereby the moisture content of the powder in the mixer is from 5 to 15%, and a degree of neutralization of at least 80% is attained.

Abstract: A process for preparing a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 550 g/l, which comprises(i) feeding a liquid acid precursor of an anionic surfactant, a solid water-soluble alkaline inorganic material and optionally other materials into a high-speed mixer/densifier, the mean residence time being from about 5 to 30 seconds;(ii) subsequently treating the granular detergent material in a moderate-speed granulator/densifier, whereby it is brought into or maintained in a deformable state, the mean residence time being from about 1-10 minutes; and finally(iii) drying and/or cooling the detergent material.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l, which comprises the steps of treating a particulate starting material(i) in a first step in a high-speed mixer/densifier, the mean residence time being from about 5-30 seconds;(ii) in a second step in a moderate-speed granulator/densifier, whereby it is brought into, or maintained in, a deformable state, the mean residence time being from about 1-10 minutes and(iii) in a final step in drying and/or cooling apparatus,the amount of oversize particles can be effectively reduced by adding 0.1 to 40% by weight of a powder in the second step or between the first and the second step. Preferably, the deformable state is induced in the first step.

Abstract: A granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l can be prepared by treating a particulate starting material(i) in a first step in a high-speed mixer/densifier, the mean residence time being from about 5-30 seconds;(ii) in a second step in a moderate-speed granulator/densifier, whereby it is brought into, or maintained in, a deformable state, the mean residence time being from about 1-10 minutes and(iii) in a final step in drying and/or cooling apparatus.Preferably, the deformable state is induced in the first step.