Abstract: A mechanical granulation process for the production of detergent granules, the process comprising dosing to a mechanical granulation apparatus an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant, a non-surfactant acid and a solid carbonated neutralising agent wherein the amount of salt formed in situ in the resultant detergent granules by reaction between the non-surfactant acid and the neutralising agent is at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, most preferably at least 50% by weight of those granules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of substantially alumosilicate-free detergents containing a soluble builder system which provides free-flowing and storage-stable granules. In this process for the production of a particulate, substantially alumosilicate-free detergent, an anionic surfactant acid is sprayed onto a detergent component containing anionic surfactant and builders in order to increase the anionic surfactant content.

Abstract: Detergent formulations incorporating crystalline alkali metal silicate granules provide enhanced performance in removing sebum dirt stains at low dosages of detergent in the wash. The detergent formulations are prepared by combining an alkali metal silicate having a high pH value with a nonionic surfactant and an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant capable of having a lamellar orientation. The formulation is granulated by tumbling in an agitating mixer while increasing the bulk density at elevated temperatures to yield alkali metal silicate granules having a bulk density of from 0.6 to 1.2 g/ml.

Abstract: In process for producing detergent particles, an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant and a neutralizing agent are fed into a horizontal thin-film evaporator/drier where they are neutralized, granulated and dried. The neutralizing agent is present in an amount equal to or in excess that required for stoichiometric neutralization and has a D50 mean particle size of less than 40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention relates to detergent tablets which are characterized in that they contain tenside granulates obtained by granulating and compacting non-ionic hydroxy mixed-ether-type tensides in the presence of disintegrants.

Abstract: A process for the production of detergent particles comprises feeding an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant, a neutralizing agent and aluminosilicate detergency builder into a horizontal thin-film evaporator/drier. The evaporator/drier comprises a mixing region, a drying region and a cooling region. Neutralization of the acid precursor is effected, together with granulation, drying and cooling, to form the detergent particles. At least some of the aluminosilicate builder is fed into the thin-film evaporator/drier between the drying region and the cooling region and/or into the cooling region. When all of he aluminosilicate builder is fed into the cooling region, the aluminosilicate is in an amount of more than 20% by weight of the particles exiting the cooling region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming an agglomerated particle containing the steps of providing at least one alkaline material, a core material, and at least one acid active. The alkaline material and the core material are added to a mixer and agglomerated therein, to form an agglomerated particle comprising an interior and an exterior. The acid active is then added to the mixer. The core material is concentrated into the interior of the agglomerated particle by adding substantially all of the core material to the alkaline material before more than about 50% of the acid active is added to the mixer.

Abstract: In order to improve the dispersion of nonionic surfactant into wash water from a granule in which the nonionic surfactant is carried on a water-insoluble granular material, the nonionic surfactant is intimately mixed with a structurant which is a non-soap ionic surfactant in finely divided particulate form. A preferred structurant is an anionic surfactant, for example, primary alcohol sulphate.

Abstract: A surfactant composition containing: (a) from about 5 to 50% by weight of an alkyl and/or alkenyl oligoglycoside; (b) from about 5 to 30% by weight of an alcohol polyglycol ether; (c) optionally, up to about 50% by weight of a fatty acid and/or fatty acid alkali metal salt; and (d) remainder, up to 100% by weight, of a builder, all weights being based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the composition is in granular form.

Abstract: The invention relates to cogranulates comprising phyllosilicates and disintegrants, in particular cellulose, and to detergents and cleaners which comprise these cogranulates, preferably in tablet form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pellets comprising one or more active ingredients; and either one or both of: (a) one or more binders incorporated within the body of the pellet; and (b) one or more coating materials on the surface of the pellet; characterized in that either one or both of the binders and the coating materials comprise one or more polymers with a Tg in the range −85 to +35°C., and, optionally, wherein the coating and/or binder materials comprise at least one multi-phase polymer and further wherein at least one of the phases of the multi-phase polymer has a Tg in the range −85 to +35° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to zeolitic molecular sieve compositions and hybrid zeolite-silica compositions characterized by novel morphology in which the zeolite is present as macroscopic aggregates of microcrystalline zeolite. The zeolitic compositions of this invention have outstanding capability to complex multivalent cations, especially calcium due to the high exchange kinetics of the microcrystalline zeolite component and yet have the ease of handling due to the macroscopic aggregate assemblage.

Abstract: A detergent composition containing efficient enduring perfume composition is provided. Specifically, the detergent composition comprises: a perfume composition comprising at least about 70% of enduring perfume ingredients characterized by having boiling points, measured at the normal, standard pressure, of about 250° C. or higher, and an octanol/water partitioning coefficent P of about 1,000 or higher, i.e., having a logP, or calculated logP, of about 3 or higher. The perfume is substantially free of halogenated fragrance materials and nitromusks. The composition also contains from about 0.01% to about 95% of a detergent surfactant system, preferably containing anionic and/or nonionic detergent surfactants. The compositions can be in the form of granules, liquids, pastes, bars, etc.

Abstract: A process for producing high density detergent compositions is provided. The process is a continuous process during which high density detergent agglomerates are produced by feeding a surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material into a moderate speed mixer/densifier having a centrally positioned rotating shaft and at least one high speed chopper. The surfactant paste is inputted at least one location along the length of the moderate speed mixer/densifier to achieve optimal build-up agglomeration. The proces produces a free flowing, high density detergent composition which can be commercially sold as a low dosage or “compact” detergent composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional pellet aid including one or more binders, wherein at least one binder is an acrylic based polymer having a Tg ranging from −20° C. to +95° C., one or more inorganic solids and one or more organic solids; the particle size of the pellet aid ranging from 100 &mgr;m to 3000 &mgr;m. Adding 0.25 to 10% by weight of the multifunctional pellet aid, based on the total weight of the pellet, to a plurality of ingredients and compacting the pellet aid and ingredients to form a pellet, affords a pellet having improved mechanical strength as a solid and rapidly disintegrating upon contact with an aqueous system.

Abstract: A process for improving storage stability and solubility of a laundry detergent powder includes the steps of: (a) forming a builder agglomerate which is free of sodium carbonate and (b) adding the builder agglomerate to a laundry detergent powder composition. The builder agglomerate is present in an amount in a range of from about 14% to about 21% by weight of the laundry detergent powder composition. The builder agglomerate has a composition including an aluminosilicate ion exchange and a binder selected from the group consisting of surfactants, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylates, and mixtures thereof. The builder agglomerate also includes sodium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) and balance water but the builder agglomerate is free of sodium carbonate.

Abstract: Synthetic detergent formulations are made by spray drying an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of a synthetic detergent and a hydrophobic plasticizer and optionally a filler to produce a particulate product. In particular the synthetic detergent includes mild surfactants such as fatty isethionate or sulphosuccinate surfactants. By spray drying the emulsion or dispersion, a particularly uniform product is made which can readily be formed into synthetic detergent bars which may include soap to form combination bar products (combi-bars).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two phase cleaning composition containing a nonionic surfactant, a zwitterionic and/or anionic surfactant, a water insoluble organic compound, perfume, glycol ether and water.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an enzyme containing cleaning particle having a size of more than 10.5 mm in its longest dimension, wherein the non-enzyme components of the particle have a detergency of less than 4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a neutralization and granulation method wherein a neutralizing foam is used as granulation adjuvant. The neutralizing foam was previously obtained by mixing an anionic surfactant in its acid form, which was expanded using a gaseous medium, and a highly concentrated, aqueous alkaline component, which was expanded using a gaseous medium. The neutralizing foam has an average pore size of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm and especially less than 2 mm.

Abstract: The invention concerns water dispersible granulates comprising at least a hydrophobic organic active substance (MA) solid or with melting point less than 100° C., in the form of particles, finely divided inside and encapsulated by a solid matrix and a water soluble or water dispersible polypeptide (PP) synthetic or of plant origin and at least an ionic or amphoteric dispersing agent (D) at the active substance/matrix interface. The invention also concerns the method for preparing said granulates in two steps, the first step consisting in preparing a dispersion in water comprising at least a hydrophobic active substance, at least an ionic or amphoteric dispersing agent (D) and at least a water soluble or water dispersible polypeptide (PP) synthetic or of plant origin, and the second step consisting in drying the dispersion until a granulate is formed.

Abstract: A process for applying relatively volatile ingredients, such as perfume, to powdered detergents minimizes the loss of the ingredients to the atmosphere and increases plant efficiency.

Abstract: Modified starch encapsulated High Impact Accord (HIA) perfume particles are disclosed. The particles consist of a modified starch and perfume oil encapsulated by the starch and comprised of at least two HIA perfume ingredients which have a boiling point at 760 mm Hg, of 275° C. of lower, a calculated ClogP of 2.0 or higher, and an odor detection threshold less than or equal to 50 parts per billion (ppb). The encapsulated perfume particles are particularly useful in laundry compositions.

Abstract: A spray-dried amorphous alkali metal silicate compound which provides multiple-cycle washing performance. The silicate compound has a molar ratio of M2O to SiO2 of 1:1.5 to 1:3.3 wherein M represents an alkali metal. The compound contains 0.5 to less than 30% by weight of anionic surfactant and has an absorption capacity for liquid components which is at least 20% higher than that of the same quantity of the alkali metal silicate compound which is free from anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A non-spray-dried granular component suitable for use in a particulate zero-phosphate laundry detergent composition comprises from 10 to 30 wt % of organic surfactant and from 20 to 50 wt % of zeolite MAP, the component having a bulk density not exceeding 700 g/l. The component may be prepared by a mixing and agglomeration process using a high-speed mixer, a moderate- or low-speed mixer, and a gas fluidization granulator. The component may be used in conjunction with a spray-dried granular component of lower bulk density, for example, a spray-dried detergent base powder containing organic surfactant and zeolite A, or a spray-dried sodium-carbonate-based adjunct.

Abstract: A stable free-flowing solid chelant composition is produced by the process comprising the steps of: a) adjusting the pH of an aqueous solution of the chelant to a value of from about 1.2 to about 3.0 by the addition of an inorganic acid; and b) drying the pH adjusted aqueous chelant product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laundry detergent product capable of removing malodor from laundered items during an automatic laundry washing process is disclosed. The laundry detergent comprises: (a) cyclodextrin granules formed from a mixture of cyclodextrin powder, an inorganic compound and an aqueous medium, the cyclodextrin granules having a particle size in a range of from about 100 microns to about 1200 microns; (b) a laundry detergent composition including a surfactant, a builder and an enzyme; and (c) the laundry detergent product being adapted to readily dissolve and disperse the cyclodextrin granules into a wash solution when the laundry detergent product is used in the above automatic laundry washing process, and wherein the cyclodextrin, when released into the above wash solution, has an odor loading factor of at least about 50.

Abstract: Granular detergent compositions and in particular low density, phosphate containing detergent compositions comprise a specific bleaching system containing hydrophobic peracid bleach and hydrophilic peracid bleach and a peroxide source. These detergent compositions have specific low levels of available oxygen from hydrophobic aid hydrophilic peroxyacid bleach, specific ratios of available oxygen from the hydrophobic peracid bleach to the hydrophilic peracid bleach and specific ratios of available oxygen of the peroxide source to the available oxygen of the peracids. These specific mixed bleach systems are useful for sanitization or reduction of bacterial activity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses dry effervescent granules comprising an acid, carbonate source and optionally a binder, wherein said acid, carbonate source and optionally binder are in close physical proximity. The invention also discloses granular compositions, containing effervescence material comprising an acid and a carbonate source, which has an effervescence index (EI) of at least 50. The granular compositions may be obtainable by incorporating said pre-formed dry effervescent granules into said granular compositions, especially detergent compositions. Improved effervescence is obtained when diluting these granular detergent compositions with water to obtain a washing/soaking liquor, resulting thereby in improved dissolution/dispensing characteristic and improved stain removal performance on soiled fabrics.

Abstract: A process for preparing low density detergent agglomerates having a density in a range from about 300 g/l to about 550 g/l is provided. The process involves the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and dry starting detergent material in a first high speed mixer to obtain agglomerates; (b) mixing the agglomerates in a second high speed mixer to obtain built-up agglomerates; and (c) feeding the built-up agglomerates into a fluid bed dryer in which a binder is sprayed via a nozzle having a height of from about 25 cm to about 60 cm from the distributor plate of the fluid bed dryer such that the built-up agglomerate are dried and agglomerated to form the desired low detergent agglomerates.

Abstract: Care agents based on matrix particles having a perfume component and washing-active surfactant components can be used in body-cleansing compositions and household cleaners.

Abstract: A granular detergent product is made by spraying a liquid binder to contact a particulate solid starting material in a low shear granulator such as a fluidized bed apparatus. The d3,2 average droplet diameter of the liquid binder is not greater than ten times the d3,2 average particle diameter of that fraction of the solid starting material which has a d3,2 particle diameter of from 20 &mgr;m to 200 &mgr;m provided that if more than 90% by weight of the solid starting material has a d3,2 average particle diameter less than 20 &mgr;m then the d3,2 average particle diameter of the total solid starting materials shall be taken to be 20 &mgr;m. If more than 90% by weight of the solid starting material has a d3,2 average particle diameter greater than 200 &mgr;m than the d3,2 average particle diameter of the total starting solid material shall be taken to be 200 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing high-active detergent agglomerates through multi-stage surfactant paste injection. According to the process, starting detergent materials are mixed with an initial amount of surfactant paste and then allowed to age for a specified period of time. Following the initial paste injection and aging period, additional amounts of surfactant paste are injected incrementally to make a final detergent agglomerate having at least about 45% by weight of surfactant.

Abstract: A process of washing textiles is presented involving the delayed release of ingredients from a detergent composition. The process involves first dissolving the detergent in water resulting in a pH below 8, slowly dissolving the coating on a coated alkalizing agent to raise the pH to above 8.5, and dissolving the polymeric acid coating on a detergent ingredient, due to the pH above 8.5, to release the ingredient into the wash water.

Abstract: A detergent composition is described which is a solid homogeneous, evenly dispersed composition containing anionic and nonionic surfactants, soil suspending agents, chelating or sequestering agents, and alkaline builders. The detergent compositions will contain either active enzymes, an oxygen releasing bleaching agent or both. The active enzymes can be protease, amylase or lipase enzymes. Said composition can be used for laundry washing or hard surface cleaning. Manufacturing procedures and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A detergent composition is described which is a solid homogeneous, evenly dispersed composition containing anionic and nonionic surfactants, soil suspending agents, chelating or sequestering agents, and alkaline builders. The detergent compositions will contain either active enzymes, an oxygen releasing bleaching agent or both. The active enzymes can be protease, amylase or lipase enzymes. Said composition can be used for laundry washing or hard surface cleaning. Manufacturing procedures and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing a granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, while wetting the surfactant coated with the fine powder with finely atomized liquid, in a mixer, and (b) thoroughly mixing the agglomerates in a mixer. Step (b) can also be followed by further step (c), i.e., granulating the agglomerates from step (b) in one or more fluidizing apparatus, during which further coating can be used to prevent over-agglomeration.

Abstract: This invention relates to detergent compositions having significantly improved calcium sequestration capacity as well as superior builder capacity in comparison to conventional aluminosilicate builder materials, while not redepositing on fabrics. More particularly, this invention relates to detergent compositions comprising microclusters of submicron crystallites of an aluminosilicate ion exchange material.

Abstract: A granular surfactant composition comprising sodium silicate and linear alkylbenzenesulfonates, wherein the granular surfactant composition has a mean particle diameter of ≧50 &mgr;m and an ffc value of ≧7; a process for the preparation of this granular surfactant composition, its use, and detergents and cleaners which comprise such granular surfactant composition and a process for the making of the same; and, where appropriate, the granular surfactant composition comprises other active ingredients and auxiliaries.

Abstract: Methods for producing granular compositions comprise the steps of preparing a viscous liquid mixture, forming a plurality of ligaments from the viscous liquid mixture, cutting the ligaments with one or more liquid jet streams to form pieces, and drying the pieces to form the granular compositions. Apparatus for producing a granular compositions comprise a viscous liquid composition supply, a ligament forming device in fluid communication with a viscous liquid composition supply, one or more liquid jet nozzles adjacent an outlet of a ligament forming device, and a dryer.

Abstract: A free-flowing granular detergent component comprises a high level (at least 30 wt %) of a heat-sensitive surfactant, preferably an alkyl ether sulphate; a water-insoluble silica or silicate carrier material of high oil absorption capacity; and a film-forming or crystal-forming structurant. The granular component may be used in conjunction with one or more other granular components containing surfactant and/or detergency builder, to form a particulate laundry detergent composition. The granular component is preferably prepared by mixing and granulation in a high- or moderate-shear mixer and drying in a fluidized bed.

Abstract: A detergent in agglomerate form is described, characterized by the fact that it contains at least one swellable layer silicate and at least one optical brightener in intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: A detergent additive is described, which comprises at least one swellable layered silicate, an antimicrobial active substance and a surfactant and, optionally, an alkali salt. This detergent additive is distinguished in that it protects the antimicrobial active substance from oxidation by the bleaches which are usually present in detergents and in that said active substance is only released during the washing process.

Abstract: A process for making detergent granules having a bulk density above 500 g/l involving: (a) providing a fluidized bed; (b) providing an apertured inflow base located below the fluidized bed for introducing fluidization gas into the fluidized bed; (c) providing a grid interposed between the fluidized bed and the apertured inflow base, the grid having a mesh size of less than 600 &mgr;m; (d) providing a surfactant preparation in liquid to paste form; and (e) introducing the surfactant preparation into the fluidized bed to form the detergent granules.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing high-active detergent agglomerates through multi-stage surfactant paste injection. According to the process, starting detergent materials are mixed with an initial amount of surfactant paste and then allowed to age for a specified period of time. Following the initial paste injection and aging period, additional amounts of surfactant paste are injected incrementally to make a final detergent agglomerate having at least about 45% by weight of surfactant.

Abstract: A process for producing a low density detergent composition is provided. The process involves: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and dry starting detergent material in a first high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates; (b) mixing the detergent agglomerates in a second high speed mixer to obtain built-up agglomerates; and (c) feeding the built-up agglomerates and a binder into a fluid bed dryer to form detergent agglomerates having a density in a range from about 300 g/l to about 550 g/l, the fluid bed dryer being operated at a Stokes Number of less than about 1, wherein Stokes Number=8&rgr;&ngr;d/9&mgr;, &rgr; is the apparent particle density of the built-up agglomerates, &ngr; is the excess velocity of the built-up agglomerates, d is the mean particle diameter of the built-up agglomerates and &mgr; is the viscosity of the binder.

Abstract: In the detergent granules including 10% by weight or more of a nonionic surfactant and 1% by weight or more of a crystalline alkali metal silicate having an average particle size of from 1 to 60 &mgr;m, the detergent granules characterized in that a proportion of the nonionic surfactant to the crystalline alkali metal silicate is in a weight ratio of from 20/1 to 1/20, and that the iron content calculated as Fe in the crystalline alkali metal silicate is 140 ppm or less. The granular detergent composition characterized in that the granular detergent composition includes the detergent granules described above.

Abstract: A system for forming and releasing an aqueous peracid solution is disclosed. The system includes a container and a peracid forming composition provided within the container. The container is permeable to the passage of water and aqueous peracid solution. The peracid forming composition includes a peracid precursor and a peroxygen source. Preferably, the peracid forming composition includes a chemical heater capable of releasing heat upon hydration. When placed in water, water enters the container and interacts with the peracid forming composition provided within the container. The water combines with the peracid precursor and peroxygen source to provide an aqueous peracid composition. The presence of a chemical heater within the container provides for the generation of heat within the container which enhances the rate of peracid formation. The peracid solution leaves the container and forms an effective sanitizing amount of sanitizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fragrance delivery system for use in laundry detergent compositions including rinse-added and dryer-added fabric conditioning compositions which provides a long lasting “freshness” or “clean” scent to fabric. The compositions described herein deliver highly fabric substantive linear acetal and/or ketal pro-fragrances to the fabric surface during laundering wherein the pro-fragrances release their fragrance raw materials over a period of up to two weeks. The present invention also relates a method for delivering a pleasurable scent to fabric which has a lasting freshness quality by contacting the fabric with a laundry detergent composition which comprises the fragrance-releasable pro-fragrances.

Abstract: A process for producing granules of anionic surfactant, preferably PAS by in situ neutralisation of a precursor acid to form the surfactant, heating the surfactant to a temperature in excess of 130° C. and subsequently cooling the to provide surfactant granules is disclosed. Detergent compositions containing such granules are also disclosed.