Abstract: A process for producing solid detergent granular materials is presented involving (a) forming an aqueous surfactant paste of an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant or mixtures thereof, and (b) drying and granulating the aqueous paste in a horizontal thin-layer evaporator or dryer having rotating fittings, wherein the drying is carried out at a temperature of 120° C. to 130° C. The process produces granules having a bulk density greater than 600 grams/liter and a uniform particle size distribution.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing acrylic acid which involves subjecting an acrylic acid-containing aqueous solution obtained by catalytic vapor phase oxidation of propylene and/or acrolein to evaporation whereby an acrylic acid-containing vapor is obtained; and subjecting the acrylic acid-containing vapor to azeotropic dehydration. The present invention offers a number of advantages including a reduce amount of polymer that may adhere to the surface of an azeotropic dehydration column, a low-blowing separation column or an in a high-boiling separation column in a plant for producing acrylic acid. Consequently, the production plant can be operated for a long time without stopping operations.