Abstract: A process for preparing a detergent composition is provided. The process involves: (a) continuously mixing a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material into a high speed mixer/densifier to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the ratio of the surfactant paste to the dry detergent material is from about 1:10 to about 10:1; and (b) mixing the detergent agglomerates in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to further densify and agglomerate the detergent agglomerates. The dry detergent material contains a builder which is a selected crystalline calcium carbonate material substantially having a rhombohedral crystalline structure with {1,0,-1,1} crystallographic indices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a detergent composition comprising the steps of:i) making a detergent based composition comprising a solid acid source;ii) coating the solid acid source with a detergent surfactant; andiii) further adding an alkaline source and agglomerating said alkaline source with said acid source;and wherein the alkaline source and the acid source are capable of reacting together to produce a gas. Detergent compositions thus prepared show improved dispersability. Methods of laundering fabrics using such detergent compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing an agglomerated detergent composition comprises premixing an acid precursor of a detersive surfactant and a water-soluble or dispersible, modified polyamine in a mixer to form a premix, inputting the premix and dry detergent materials such as builders into a high speed mixer/densifier and neutralizing the acid precursor to form agglomerates and further agglomerating in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to form a detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l.

Abstract: A powdered laundry detergent is provided with (a) a powder laundry detergent base that includes an inorganic carrier and a surfactant and (b) post-added acidulant and discrete whitening agent particles to provide a detergent having improved cool water solubility with bulk color deterioration caused by whitening agents being minimized. The detergent includes from about 5% to about 80% of an inorganic carrier, from about 1% to about 90% of a detergent surfactant, from about 0.1% up to about 15% of an acidulant and from about 0.1% up to about 30% of the discrete whitening agent particles. The acidulant is selected from the group of acids that in an acid form are soluble in water in an amount not greater than about 8%, preferably not greater than about 0.7% by weight at 25.degree. C. and in a salt form are soluble in water at least in an amount of about 15% by weight at 25.degree. C. The whitening agent particles include a whitening agent and a surfactant.

Abstract: Granular compositions comprising .di-elect cons.-phthalimido peroxyhexanoic acid (PAP), a N-oxide of a tertiary amine surfactant and an organic acid with PK.sub.a lower than 3.5 and soluble in water at most for 1% by weight at a temperature of 20.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for producing a detergent powder or a composition therefore involving partial granulation in a high or low shear granulator followed by granulation in a very low shear mixer, for example a fluid bed is disclosed. The process allows powders to be produced over a wide range of bulk densities without the use of a spray-drying step.

Abstract: A detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 550 kg/m.sup.3 comprises a mixture of:(a) a granulate, preferably a mechanically mixed granulate, of bulk density 450 kg/m.sup.3 to 1300 kg/m.sup.3, comprising surfactant and inorganic material, and(b) a spray-dried adjunct comprising inorganic material, preferably sodium sesquicarbonate or Burkeite,component (a) being present in an amount of from 35% to 85% by weight of the total granular product.The adjunct allows the bulk density of the final composition to be adjusted to any chosen value without detriment to other properties, thus providing flexibility to formulate at a range of bulk densities.

Abstract: A process for preparing a low density detergent composition is disclosed. The process includes the steps of agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material in a high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates wherein the detergent agglomerates include at least 3% by weight water and dielectrically heating the detergent agglomerates so as to form the detergent composition having a density of below 600 g/l.

Abstract: The invention relates to bleach activator granules of ammonium nitrile and phyllosilicate, obtained by mixing the two components, compressing them and comminuting the resulting agglomerates to the desired particle size.

Abstract: A process of forming a granular detergent products, is effected in a gas fluidisation granulator. A fluidised particulate solid material is contacted with a spray of liquid binder. The excess velocity (U.sub.e) of fluidisation gas relative to the mass or volume flux of the spray (q.sub.mliq or q.sub.vliq) when determined at the normalised nozzle-to-bed distance (D.sub.0) is set so that the flux number (FN.sub.m or FN.sub.v) as determined by ##EQU1## (where .rho..sub.p is the particle density) is at a critical value of at least 2 for at least 30% of the process.

Abstract: A process for producing an anionic surfactant-containing alkali metal silicate-alkali metal carbonate compound providing multiple wash cycle performance, wherein the compound contains 15% to 50% by weight of alkali metal silicate which is x-ray amorphous and has a molar M.sub.2 O to SiO.sub.2 ratio of 1:1.5 to 1:3.3 and M represents an alkali metal, 30% to 70% by weight of alkali metal carbonate, 1.5% to 15% by weight of anionic surfactant and 12% to 19% by weight of water, by providing a powder component selected from alkali metal carbonate, alkali metal silicate, or a mixture of alkali metal carbonate and alkali metal silicate, and agglomerating the powder component with an aqueous composition containing one or more anionic surfactants.

Abstract: A non-spray-dried particulate detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 600 g/liter, prepared by mixing and granulating liquid and solid ingredients in a high-speed mixer/granulator, contains a builder polymer and/or a soil-release polymer. The polymer is incorporated during the mixing and granulation process in the form of a non-aqueous premix with a non-aqueous diluent.

Abstract: The invention is an improved, non-phosphate, non-bleach, agglomerated laundry booster which has a) a solids portion with i) at least 5% by weight of a first builder selected from the group consisting of alkali metal carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonate, alkali metal sesquicarbonate, and mixtures thereof; and ii) a second builder of at least 25% by weight alkali metal tetraborate pentahydrate; and b) i) a first liquid which comprises an anionic, acidic surfactant, in an amount no greater than about 10% by weight; and ii) a second liquid which comprises an agglomerating agent. The first liquid is neutralized by the first builder of a)i) to form a first set of particles, the second builder forms a second set of particles, and the second liquid co-agglomerates both the first and second sets of particles. The invention also provides a method for preparing this laundry booster.

Abstract: Two processes for producing agglomerated high density detergent compositions are provided. On process comprises blending secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate with a detergency builder to form a homogeneous powder mixture which is agglomerated with a surfactant paste mixture comprising C.sub.10-20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, C.sub.10-20 alkyl sulfates, C.sub.10-18 alkyl ethoxy sulfates having from about 1 to about 7 ethoxy groups, alcohol ethoxylates and polyethylene glycol and drying the agglomerates. Another process comprises blending secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate with a detergency builder to form a homogeneous powder mixture which is agglomerated with a liquid acid precursor of C.sub.10-20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonate so as to form an agglomerated detergent composition which has a density of at least about 650 g/l.

Abstract: A powder laundry detergent has improved solubility in the laundering solution by incorporating an acidulant that, in its acid form, is sparingly soluble in water and, in its salt form, is soluble in water. In particular, the acidulant is selected from the group of acids that in an acid form are soluble in water in an amount not greater than about 0.7% by weight at 25.degree. C. and in a salt form are soluble in water at least in an amount of about 15% by weight at 25.degree. C. A method of improving the solubility of a powder detergent includes admixing an acidulant in the powder detergent where the acidulant is selected from the group of acids that in an acid form are soluble in water in an amount not greater than about 0.7% by weight at 25.degree. C. and in a salt form are soluble in water at least in an amount of about 15% by weight at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for making a granular suds suppressing component comprises the steps of intimately mixing a liquid or molten suds suppressing component with an emulsifier to form a premix and granulating the premix with a powder. The powder comprises aluminosilicate. The emulsifier is an anionic surfactant. The premix comprises a structuring agent selected from the group consisting of phosphonic and diphosphonic acid, carboxylic and polycarboxylic acid, succinic and disuccinic acid, and salts, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A powdered laundry detergent is provided with discrete whitening agent particles that do not adversely affect the bulk appearance of the detergent during storage. The detergent includes from about 5% to about 80% of an inorganic carrier, from about 1% to about 90% of a detergent surfactant, and from 0.1% up to about 30% of the discrete whitening agent particles. The whitening agent particles include a whitening agent and a surfactant. The surfactant for the whitening agent particle includes those anionics, nonionics, zwitterionics, ampholytics, cationics, and mixtures thereof that are solids in a temperature range of from about 32.degree. F. (0.degree. C.) to about 180.degree. F. (82.degree. C.). The whitening agent particles, in a more desirably form, include a whitener and water. The particles are formed by extruding a homogenous mass into discrete particles. The homogenous mass includes either a whitening agent, a surfactant, and optionally a plasticizer or a whitening agent and water.

Abstract: A non-spray-dried particulate detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 600 g/liter, prepared by mixing and granulating liquid and solid ingredients in a high-speed mixer/granulator, contains a builder polymer and/or a soil-release polymer. The polymer is incorporated during the mixing and granulation process in the form of a non-aqueous premix with a non-aqueous diluent.

Abstract: A powder laundry detergent has improved solubility in the laundering solution and improved dispensability by incorporating an acidulant that, in its acid form, is sparingly soluble in water and, in its salt form, is soluble in water. In particular, the acidulant is selected from the group of acids that in an acid form are soluble in water in an amount not greater than about 8%, preferably no greater than about 0.7% by weight at 25.degree. C. and in a salt form are soluble in water at least in an amount of about 15% by weight at 25.degree. C. A method of improving the solubility of a powder detergent includes admixing an acidulant in the powder detergent where the acidulant is selected from the group of acids that in an acid form are soluble in water in an amount not greater than about 8%, preferably not greater than about 0.7% by weight at 25.degree. C. and in a salt form are soluble in water at least in an amount of about 15% by weight at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the production of a detergent composition or component having a bulk density of less than 700 g/l which involves mixing a particulate starting material compound with a liquid binder in a mixer/granulator having both a stirring and a cutting action wherein the starting material contains a component, which is not a detergent active compound, having a bulk density of not more than 600 g/l is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least about 700 g/l up to a bulk density of about 1100 g/l comprising: (a) providing a low density, particulate detergent or component stock comprising an organic surfactant, a water-soluble inorganic salt and, optionally, other materials, the stock having a bulk density of no more than about 600 g/l; (b) subjecting the low density, particulate stock to high-shear agglomeration whereby the particulate stock is subjected to high-shear forces in intimate contact with a liquid consisting essentially of water in an amount and for a time sufficient (1) to fluidize, wet with water, and mechanically mill the stock to a smaller particle size and (2) to partially agglomerate the wetted, milled stock; (c) subjecting the partially agglomerated stock to rotating agglomeration for a time sufficient to produce, when dried, a further agglomerated, granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at

Abstract: Disclosed are granular detergent components and processes for making these components. The processes comprise the steps of: i) forming the granular detergent component by drying an aqueous solution, the aqueous solution comprising at least 50% of a cationic surfactant, to form a powder; and then ii) densifying the powder in the presence of a detergent powder selected from the group consisting of aluminosilicate, carbonate, bicarbonate, silicate, sulphate, citrate, clay and mixtures thereof and an acid selected from the group consisting of citric, sulphuric, hydrochloric, polycarboxylic acids and mixtures thereof. This granular detergent component consists essentially of the cationic surfactant, the acid and the particulate builder and the granular detergent component has a reserve acidity of at least 1.0 g HCl/100 g.

Abstract: A carbonate-based detergent having improved properties is provided. Preferably, a base detergent includes an alkali metal carbonate builder, an anionic surfactant, an inert diluent, a copolymer, and a chlorine scavenger. The base detergent may be mixed with an agglomerate including nonionic surfactants and a builder such as an alkali metal carbonate. The detergent has improved color retention properties. A method of preparing the improved detergent composition is also provided.

Abstract: A process of making a powdered detergent aggregate comprising in a single pass process the step of introducing an absorptive soda ash into an agglomerator, forming a soda ash curtain within the agglomerator, spraying a surfactant onto the soda ash curtain, forming a curtain of resultant soda ash/surfactant product, spraying a silicate thereon, and adding additional surfactant to produce a non-caking soda ash/silicate/surfactant aggregate having 40-69 weight percent soda ash, 7-14 weight percent silicate, and 14-26 weight percent surfactant having a loose bulk density of from 600-1000 g/l.

Abstract: A particulate agglomerated carrier is described which is suitable for use in admixture with a laundry detergent composition and which is capable of depositing an effective amount of an antibacterial agent on laundered fabrics and for providing an effective amount of same in the wash solution. The carrier is an agglomerate of a smectite-type clay and an antibacterial agent.Also, described is a laundry detergent composition containing such agglomerated carrier and process for depositing an effective amount of an antibacterial agent on laundered fabrics and for providing an effective amount of such antibacterial agent in the wash solution.

Abstract: The method for producing nonionic detergent granules includes the steps of (I) blending the following (i) to (iii): (i) at least one of a nonionic surfactant and an aqueous nonionic surfactant solution; (ii) an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant capable of having a lamellar orientation; (iii) at least one of an alkali builder and an alkali, porous oil-absorbing carrier, to give a mixture of detergent starting materials containing the nonionic surfactant as a main surfactant component; and (II) heating the mixture obtained in step (I) at least up to a temperature capable of neutralizing the acid precursor of the anionic surfactant in an agitating mixer, and granulating while tumbling the agitating mixer thereby increasing a bulk density, to give nonionic detergent granules having a bulk density of from 0.6 to 1.2 g/ml.

Abstract: A process for preparation of a granular detergent composition which process comprises the steps of(i) forming a liquid feedstock comprising a liquid binder and a structurant;(ii) dosing the liquid feedstock and a solid component into a high-speed mixer/densifier, to form a granular detergent material and forming or introducing further structurant in the high-speed mixer/densifier;(iii) subsequently treating the granular detergent material in a moderate-speed granulator/densifier, whereby it is brought into or maintained in a deformable state; and(iv) drying and/or cooling the product of step (iii).

Abstract: Solid activator bodies for activating oxygen-based bleach at relatively low temperatures are provided which preferably include respective quantities of tetra acetyl ethylene diamine (TAED), phosphate sequestering agent, non-phosphate solidifying agent, surfactant and water. The activator bodies are readily dispersable in hot water to form dilute dispersions which can be added directly to cleaning equipment along with oxygen-based bleach. The activator enhances bleaching effectiveness and generates peracetic acid, a potential antimicrobial.

Abstract: A process for producing a detergent powder or a composition therefore involving partial granulation in a high or low shear granulator followed by granulation in a very low shear mixer, for example a fluid bed is disclosed. The process allows powders to be produced over a wide range of bulk densities without the use of a spray-drying step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density greater than 650 g/l which has greater ease and flexibility of processing. The process comprises the step of dispersing a liquid binder throughout a powder stream in a high speed mixer to form granular agglomerates, wherein the powder stream comprises a powder consisting essentially of crystalline zeolite A, P, X, or mixtures thereof, and crystalline zeolite HS. It is preferred that the ratio of zeolite A, P, X, or mixtures thereof, to crystalline zeolite HS is from 1:1 to 99:1, preferably from 3:1 to 20:1, and that the powder has an oil absorbing capacity of at least 40 ml/100 g, more preferably at least 45 ml/100 g, most preferably at least 50 ml/100 g.

Abstract: Preparation of secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate particles comprises admixing secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate surfactants with a deagglomerating agent such as zeolite or silica. The resulting powder is agglomerated with a nonionic surfactant, and formed into particles. The particles are then coated with a free-flow aid. Secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate particles treated in this manner have improved solubility characteristics for use in laundry detergents.

Abstract: A process for preparing a free-flowing high bulk density granular laundry detergent product comprises pre-blending a powder admixture comprising (1) between about 40-90 weight percent of a water soluble detergent builder wherein at least 70 weight percent of the detergent builder is sodium carbonate, and (b) between about 0.5-10 weight percent of alkali metal chloride salt, (2) forming a builder-surfactant powder by blending the step (1) admixture with between about 5-40 weight percent of a detergent active ingredient which is a blend of sulfated ethoxylated alcohols and nonionic ethoxylated alcohols, (3) subjecting the builder-surfactant powder to treatment with water under agglomerating conditions, and (4) drying the detergent composition to provide a free-flowing granular laundry detergent product having a bulk density of at least 650 grams per liter, and in which the detergent granule surfaces are coated with a glossy shell of alkali metal salt crystallites.

Abstract: A process for making a detergent component having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l, which comprises the steps of:(i) forming a structured paste comprising a uniform mixture of, by weight;(a) from 5% to 40% of water;(b) from 30% to 90% of an ingredient selected from the group consisting of anionic, zwitterionic, cationic, ampholytic and nonionic surfactant; water-soluble organic polymer; and mixtures thereof;(c) from 1% to 20% of water-soluble silicate salt;(d) at least 30% of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate;in a continuous process; wherein the maximum pressure reached in step (i) is not less than 10 bar; and (ii) subsequently dispersing said structured paste with one or more builders in powder form; in a high shear mixer at a tip speed of greater than 10 meters per second; wherein the ratio of the structured paste to the builder powder is from 9:1 to 1:5.

Abstract: A process for producing detergent agglomerates useful in the production of detergent granules, comprising: (a) providing at least one solid, powder-form detergent component; (b) providing an alkyl polyglycoside of formula I:R.sub.1 O(R.sub.2 O).sub.b (Z).sub.a Iwherein R.sub.1 is a monovalent organic radical having from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is divalent alkylene radical having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms; Z is a saccharide residue having 5 or 6 carbon atoms; b is a number having a value from 0 to about 12; a is a number having a value from 1 to about 6; and (c) applying the alkyl polyglycoside onto the detergent component to form a detergent agglomerate product.

Abstract: A process for preparing a high density detergent-composition is provided. The process comprises the steps of:a) drying detergent agglomerates to a free moisture content of less than about 7% by weight thereby forming substantially dry detergent agglomerates; andb) charging the substantially dry detergent agglomerates into a moderate speed mixer/densifier to densify the substantially dry detergent agglomerates to form a high density detergent having a density of at least about 900 g/l. In preferred embodiments, the process also comprises forming hydrated detergent agglomerates via the steps of hydrating an anhydrous hydratable detergent salt to a degree of hydration of at least about 60% and agglomerating the hydrated detergent salt by charging the hydrated detergent salt and additional detergent ingredients into a high speed mixer/densifier and agglomerating the hydrated detergent salt and additional detergent ingredients to form hydrated detergent agglomerates.

Abstract: Detergent compositions comprising polyamino acid compounds and salts thereof are provided. More particularly, detergent compositions containing a polyamino acid compound/protein particle comprising at least one polyamino acid compound coated with at least one protein, detergent compositions containing a polyamino acid compound/protein particle comprising at least one protein coated with at least one polyamino acid compound, and detergent compositions containing a polyamino acid compound/protein agglomerate are provided. The polyamino acid compound/protein particle and/or agglomerate resists degradation of the polyamino acid compound.

Abstract: The invention pertains to granules which incorporate citric acid monohydrate as an exotherm control agent within a peracid containing core. The granules have improved dissolution rates of the peracid in a dishwashing cycle. Compositions containing the granules are also described.

Abstract: In a process for producing detergent particles comprising an anionic surfactant, a paste comprising water and the surfactant is fed to a drying zone where it is heated. Subsequently, the paste is cooled in a cooling zone. A layering agent is introduced into the cooling zone to improve granularity.

Abstract: In order to enhance the stability of sodium percarbonate bleach in particulate detergent compositions, crystalline aluminosilicate and a water-soluble alkali metal silicate in an amount of from 1-20% by weight based on the aluminosilicate are included in the non-spray dried base powder. In order to obtain the stabilizing effect, the crystalline aluminosilicate comprises zeolite MAP or the alkali metal silicate is homogeneously dispersed with respect to the aluminosilicate.

Abstract: Free-flowing powder detergent additives particularly useful as agglomerates to be added during the manufacture of detergents suitable for washing colored fabric and which contain certain detergent builders, dye transfer inhibiting polymers and optionally a detersive surfactant. Also disclosed are methods for preparing a premix of specific hygroscopic dye transfer inhibitors for use in a spray-drying powder formation process. The compositions utilized for such premixes include a powder builder such as zeolite and the dye transfer inhibition polymers polyamine N-oxide, and copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole.

Abstract: The method for producing a fine solid builder particle includes the steps of suspending a solid builder in a dispersion medium containing 20 to 100% by weight of a surfactant, and carrying out wet grinding of the solid builder. The builder composition containing the fine solid builder particle is obtainable by the above method. The detergent composition containing the fine solid builder particle is obtainable by the method. The method for producing a detergent composition includes the steps of carrying out wet grinding of a solid builder using a dispersion medium containing a surfactant to give a mixture of a fine solid builder particle and the surfactant, and further adding the mixture to a composition for a detergent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structured paste which is substantially free of LAS and which is suitable for processing into a high bulk density, high active granular detergent. Surfactant pastes of the present invention have a viscosity of at least 10 Pa.s (measured at 70.degree. C. and 25 sec.sup.-1) and comprise: from 30% to 90% by weight of anionic surfactant; from 0% to 50% by weight of nonionic surfactant; from 0.5% to 20% by weight of either a polymeric cationic material or a polar amino acid; and from 1% to 40% by weight of water.

Abstract: This invention provides a free-flowing high bulk density granular detergent product for heavy duty textile laundering utility. One essential aspect of an invention detergent product is a content of a partially sulfated and neutralized blend of ethoxylated alcohol surfactant constituents. Another essential aspect is a unique granule structure in which the surfaces are coated with a non-tacky glossy shell of alkali metal chloride salt crystallites. The said glossy coating facilitates free-flowing and tight-packing of the granules into a high bulk density compact mass.

Abstract: The method for producing detergent particles having a high bulk density, the method being characterized by mixing granulated detergent particles having a bulk density of from 500 to 1,000 g/liter, while applying a shearing force to particles caused by a contact of the particles with each other in a mixer. According to the production method using a drum mixer of the present invention, it is possible to increase the bulk density of the detergent particles by 50 to 200 g/liter, wherein the granulated detergent particles or that of the granulated detergent particles subjected to a treatment of increasing bulk density by conventional methods have a bulk density of from 500 to 1,000 g/liter.

Abstract: There is provided a granular, silicate-built, phosphate free laundry detergent composition comprising fine alkali metal percarbonate particles having mean particle diameter below 450 .mu.m, preferably below 400 .mu.m, wherein no more than 20%, preferably no more than 10%, of the particles have a diameter above 710 .mu.m, said particles having a coating comprising one or more soluble inorganic salts. The salts may be selected from alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonates, sulphates, chlorides and nitrates. The coated percarbonate particles have improved stability to storage and are capable of dissolving quickly in wash liquor.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with granular components comprising an enzyme, specified polymeric binding material, and a mixture of coating components. The granular components are particularly suitable for use in detergent compositions.

Abstract: A cleaning composition contains (a) a detersive surfactant and (b) a poly(amino acid) compound or a precursor thereof, the said component (b) being protected from contact with a level of alkalinity as would cause degradation thereof. The component (b) may be stabilized by, for example, coating it with an organic acid compound or with a film-forming polymer; by agglomerating it with a controlled level of alkaline or alkaline-reacting compound (e.g. sodium carbonate); by spray-granulating it in admixture with a nonionic surfactant; by encapsulating it with a silicone-based resin; or by incorporating it in a composition that is non-alkaline. The storage stability of the compositions is thereby improved.

Abstract: A granular detergent component having a bulk density of less than 400 g/l comprises from 20% to 50%, by weight, of aluminosilicate, optionally up to 50%, by weight, of a co-filler, and 0.05% to 2%, by weight, of anionic surfactant, preferably C14-C20 alkyl sulphate. The low bulk density component is preferably mixed with other components such as percarbonate, silicate, layered silicate, carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, sulphate, citrate and mixtures thereof to provide a granular detergent composition.

Abstract: In the production of granules containing anionic surfactants and having a bulk density above 450 g/l by granulation of a surfactant preparation containing a non-surface-active liquid component, the water demand and hence the energy demand for evaporating the water can be reduced if the anionic surfactant in its acid form or a mixture containing one or more anionic surfactants in their acid form and an aqueous alkaline solution are separately treated with a gaseous medium, subsequently sprayed in substantially stoichiometric quantities into the granulation and drying zone either separately or together under a high propellant gas pressure and then granulated and, at the same time, dried, optionally with addition of one or more inorganic or organic solids.

Abstract: In a process for producing detergent particles comprising an anionic surfactant, a paste comprising water and the surfactant is fed to a drying zone where it is heated. Subsequently, the paste is cooled in a cooling zone. A layering agent is introduced into the cooling zone to improve granularity.