Abstract: A process for the production of detergent granules, the process comprising in situ neutralization of liquid non-surfactant organic acid with liquid caustic. In the preferred embodiment of the process, the liquid dosing is from the top of the mixer. In the most preferred embodiment of the process, the resulting detergent granules, optionally processed further and mixed with additional ingredients, are eventually compacted into detergent tablets. Advantageously, by virtue of employing the inventive process for making tablets, the need for post-dosing acetate or carbonate is significantly reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A detergent tablet comprising from about 80% to about 100%, by weight of the tablet, of detergent granules, the granules comprising (a) from about 5% to about 30%, by weight of the granules, of an anionic surfactant; (b) from about 2% to about 15%, by weight of the granules, of acetic acid salt; (c) from about 50% to about 80%, by weight of the granules, of a solid ingredient comprising an ingredient selected from the group consisting of a solid alkaline neutralizing agent, an aluminosilicate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing silylated compounds from a solvent or gas waste stream, comprising treating the waste stream with sulfuric acid to form a silylated sulfuric acid ester and separating the ester from the waste stream. The invention further provides for recovering a silylated compound from the separated ester.

Abstract: An apparatus having a series of conveyor belts for flattening and stacking a plurality of flexible, generally planar articles, such as tortillas. The apparatus includes a first conveyor belt extending along first end, upper, second end and lower surfaces of a belt support. The conveyor belt is adapted to move the planar articles placed on the upper surface of the belt support from the first end to the second end. A second conveyor belt is biased against the first belt at the second end of the belt support for applying compressive and lateral forces to the planar articles as they are moved along the second end of the belt support. A third conveyor belt is located beneath the first and second conveyor belts for receiving the planar articles from the first belt, forming stacks of them, and then discharging the stacked planar articles. Motor assemblies drive the first, second, and third conveyor belts.