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: Detergent powders built with sodium carbonate and having improved flow properties are prepared by a process in which a selected acid, for example, succinic acid or alkylbenzene sulphonic acid, is added to a slurry in order to transform sodium carbonate into needle-like crystals of sodium sedquicarbonate, and the slurry is then dried, preferably spray-dried, to form a powder.

Abstract: Low or zero-P detergent powders are prepared by a process in which sodium aluminosilicate, a polymeric powder structurant and other components are slurried and spray-dried, and particulate sodium silicate of defined characteristics is postdosed.

Abstract: A granular low-phosphate detergent composition is prepared by spray-drying a slurry to give a base powder containing a low to moderate level of sodium tripolyphosphate and low levels of inorganic salts, then postdosing solid material, including sodium sulphate, of high bulk density and of smaller particle size than the base powder. The resulting product has a bulk density at least 150 g/liter greater than that of the base powder and shows improved dispensing properties in an automatic washing machine.

Abstract: The structure and hence the powder properties of spray-dried detergent powders are improved by the incorporation of a small amount of a succinate salt. In particular the invention is applicable to powders which are low in inherent structurants, especially to powders low in sodium silicate and in phosphate builder salts. Buccinic acid partially neutralized with sodium hydroxide is especially effective as a structuring aid.