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 preparing a granular detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l comprises treating a spray-dried material in a high-speed mixer, adding water and hydratable compound to the spray dried material in a moderate-speed mixer, drying and/or cooling the product.

Abstract: A process for preparing high density detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) continuously mixing a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material into a high speed mixer/densifier to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein said surfactant paste includes, by weight of said surfactant paste, from about 0.1% to about 50% of a non-aqueous binder, from about 70% to about 95% of a detersive surfactant, and the balance water; (b) mixing the detergent agglomerates in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to further density and agglomerate the detergent agglomerates; and (c) drying said detergent agglomerates so as to form the high density detergent composition. The process may include one or more additional processing steps such as adding a coating agent after the moderate speed mixer/densifier to facilitate and control agglomeration.

Abstract: A detergent having improved properties is provided. In accordance with preferred embodiments, a carbonate built detergent comprising an agglomerateed admixture of a base granular formulation and a detergent agglomerate is provided. The base granular composition comprises a carrier together with a copolymer which serves to improve anti-encrustation and anti-redeposition properties of the detergent. A method of preparing the improved detergent composition is also provided.

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, up to about 15% of an acidulant and 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 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: 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 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.).

Abstract: A free-flowing granular detergent component or composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l comprises (i) at least 35% by weight of anionic surfactant; (ii) 0.5% to 10% by weight of a chelating agent; (iii) 0.5% to 30% by weight of a polymer or co-polymer wherein the weight ratio of chelating agent to polymer/copolymer is from 1:100 to 1:1. Additionally, processes for making the granular detergent component or composition comprise adding aqueous solutions of a chelating agent and a polymer or copolymer to a high active surfactant paste.

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: A process for preparing high density detergent compositions is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (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; (b) mixing the detergent agglomerates in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to further densify and agglomerate the detergent agglomerates; and (c) drying said detergent agglomerates so as to form the high density detergent composition. The dry detergent material may contain a builder material including a crystalline microstructure in which a carbonate anion, a calcium cation and at least one water-soluble cation are contained. The process may include one or more additional processing steps such as adding a coating agent such as the builder material described herein after the moderate speed mixer/densifier to facilitate and control agglomeration.

Abstract: To provide a nonionic powdery detergent free from oozing of a liquid nonionic surfactant at ambient temperature and having excellent powder fluidity and non-caking properties and a solubility which is not deteriorated with time.The nonionic powdery detergent composition comprises (a) 12 to 35% by weight of a nonionic surfactant having a melting point of not higher than 40.degree. C. and an HLB in the range of 9.0 to 16.0,(b) 10 to 60% by weight of a crystalline aluminosilicate and(c) 5 to 20% by weight of an amorphous oil-absorbing carrier containing at least 30% by weight of silicon (in terms of SiO.sub.2) versus the weight of said carrier in an anhydrous state and having an oil-absorbing capacity of at least 80 ml/100 g, said carrier giving a dispersion with a pH of at least 9 or being soluble in a 2% aqueous NaOH solution in an amount of 0.5 g or below.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of free flowing detergent granules having a bulk density of at least 600 g/l, comprises the steps of:a) neutralising anionic surfactant acid or acids in an excess of alkali to form a paste, and optionally mixing other surfactants with the paste, to give a total surfactant level in the paste of at least 40% by weight;b) mixing said paste with one or more powders to form a granular product; andc) optionally drying the granular product,wherein at least one of the powders in step b) is spray dried and comprises anionic polymer and cationic surfactant.

Abstract: A process for making granular detergent compositions or components comprising from about 35% to about 85% by weight of a surfactant system comprising a mixture of polyhydroxy fatty acid amide and ethoxylated nonionic surfactant. The surfactant system is in the solid phase at temperatures of 25.degree. C. and below, and has a softening point from above 25.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. Additionally, the surfactant system has a viscosity profile whereby its viscosity is at least about 20,000 cps at a temperature of 10.degree. C. above the softening point, and less than about 10,000 cps at a temperature of 30.degree. C. above the softening point, all viscosities being measured at a shear rate of 25 s.sup.-1.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing high density detergent composition is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material in a high speed mixer/densifier to obtain agglomerates having a Dispersion Index in a range of from about 1 to about 6, whereinDispersion Index=A/BA is the surfactant level in the agglomerates having a particle size of at least 1100 microns, and B is the surfactant level in the agglomerates having a particle size less than about 150 microns; (b) mixing the agglomerates in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to further densify, build-up and agglomerate the agglomerates; and (c) conditioning the agglomerates such that the flow properties of the agglomerates are improved, thereby forming the high density detergent composition.

Abstract: Detergent components or compositions having a bulk density of at least 700 g/l comprise a nonionic surfactant system including at least one nonionic surfactant which is a liquid at temperatures below 40.degree. C., and from about 0.5% to 15% by weight of the component or compositions of a flow aid which is a premixed powder comprising sodium aluminosilicate and hydrophobic silica in a weight ratio of from 100:1 to 5:1. The detergent components or compositions are made by free dispersion mixing or granulation.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing low density detergent agglomerates is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) spray drying an aqueous mixture of sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate and a minor amount of a surfactant so as to form spray dried granules containing an inorganic double salt having the formula Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 .multidot.Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and a minor amount of the surfactant; (b) agglomerating the spray dried granules with a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and adjunct detergent material initially in a high speed mixer and subsequently in a moderate speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the adjunct detergent material includes an adjunct sodium carbonate material; and (c) drying or cooling the detergent agglomerates so as to form the detergent composition having a density of below about 500 g/l.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing low density detergent agglomerate is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material in a high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the dry starting detergent material includes a hydrated salt; and (b) drying the detergent agglomerates so as to form the detergent composition having a density of less than about 600 g/l.

Abstract: A process wherein the particle size of high density detergent agglomerates produced via agglomeration of a high active surfactant paste can be effectively and inexpensively controlled. More particularly, the process invention includes the step of regulating the level of carbonate in a highly active surfactant paste which is combined with other detergent ingredients in an agglomeration process. The agglomeration process also includes the step of treating the surfactant paste and other detergent ingredients in a high speed mixer/densifier followed by a low or moderate speed mixer/densifier resulting in detergent agglomerates.

Abstract: A process for the continuous preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density greater than 650 g/l which comprises the steps of: i) dispersing a detergent active paste throughout a powder stream in a high speed mixer with a residence time of from 2 seconds to 30 seconds, ii) forming an agglomerate in a moderate speed mixer/agglomerator with a residence time of less than 2 minutes, in which, optionally, a finely divided powder may be added, iii) drying and/or cooling. Granular detergent compositions which are made by this process, and which have excellent solubility properties especially with respect to dispensing and rate of dissolution are also described.

Abstract: A process for producing a particulate laundry additive composition produces a particulate laundry additive for perfume delivery in laundry detergent compositions, especially those in the form of granules or agglomerates. The process includes mixing a porous carrier material, typically containing perfume, and an encapsulating material, typically a carbohydrate material, and then compacting the mixture to form agglomerates. The agglomerates which include the porous carrier particles enrobed with the encapsulating material are then sized into particles for incorporation into a detergent product. The process may be employed to produce particulate additive compositions which may be used in fabric softening and dishwashing as well as laundry detergent compositions.

Abstract: A process for producing a particulate laundry additive composition produces a particulate laundry additive for perfume delivery in laundry detergent compositions, especially those in the form of granules or agglomerates. The process includes mixing a porous carrier material, typically containing perfume, and an encapsulating material, typically a carbohydrate material, to form agglomerates or an extrudate which is then sized into particles for incorporation into a detergent product. The process may be employed to produce particulate additive compositions which may be used in fabric softening and dishwashing as well as laundry detergent compositions.

Abstract: A high density granular detergent composition having a pH (1% in distilled water) of from about 9.0 to about 10.0, that contains from 5% to about 50% anionic detergent surfactant and from about 3% to about 40% acid pyrophosphate is disclosed. The composition is formed by agglomeration of the acid pyrophosphate and a portion of the surfactant, preferably in a V-blender. The composition contains less than about 1%, but preferably is free of, citric acid.

Abstract: A process for producing granules having reduced tackiness by forming granules in a fluidized bed apparatus and then adding a granule stabilizer to the discharge air stream of the apparatus after the granules have emerged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of a granular detergent composition comprising:(a) pregranulating at least 40% by weight of a mixture of solid and liquid detergent components, based on the total weight of the solid and liquid cleaning components, in a first low-speed mixer/granulator having mixing tools contained therein, to form a pregranulated detergent mixture; and(b) granulating the pregranulated detergent mixture in a second high-speed mixer/granulator to form a final granular detergent composition.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a high bulk density granular dishwashing detergent composition which comprises agglomerating ingredients with a liquid binder to form base granules which are substantially free of alkali metal silicates followed by admixing alkali metal silicate. The process provides uniform delivery of detergent ingredients and improved solubility.

Abstract: A process for making a granular laundry detergent component or composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l, comprises dissolving a structuring agent in a nonionic surfactant, said structuring agent comprising a polymer, to form a pumpable premix and finely dispersing said premix with an effective amount of powder at a given operating temperature wherein the premix has a viscosity of at least 350 mPas when measured at said operating temperature and at a shear rate of 25s-.sup.1. Preferred structurants comprise polymers having more than one functional hydroxyl group, especially polyvinyl alcohols, polyhydroxyacrylic acid polymers, and polymers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone and PVNO, as well as sugars, artificial sweeteners and their derivatives. The premix is then processed into a granular detergent by any suitable process. Fine dispersion mixing, agglomeration, or spraying the premix onto a granular base product are preferred.

Abstract: The present invention is a granular colorant speckle exhibiting reduced colorant spotting, the speckle which comprises:(a) an insoluble dispersible carrier;(b) a surfactant; and(c) a substantive agent.The present invention also discloses a method for forming a colorant speckle suitable for use as a granular laundry detergent component, or a laundry additive. The speckle of the present invention is preferably produced by an agglomeration process utilizing, for example, a fluid-bed or rotary falling curtain type agglomerator.

Abstract: Liquid or granular automatic dishwashing detergent compositions comprising silicate and low molecular weight polyacrylate copolymer exhibiting enhanced hard water filming performance.

Abstract: A particulate detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l which is not the product of a spray-drying process consists of a substantially homogeneous granular base and optional postdosed ingredients. The composition comprises a surfactant system, alkali metal aluminosilicate builder, and a water-soluble salt of citric acid, preferably sodium citrate, and optionally other ingredients. The delivery and dissolution characteristics of the composition in the wash are improved if citrate of Rosin Rammler particle size less than 800 .mu.m is incorporated within the granular base. The composition may also contain postdosed citrate of unrestricted particle size.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing low density detergent agglomerates having a density of below about 500 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste or liquid acid precursor of anionic surfactant and dry starting detergent material in a high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the dry starting detergent material includes an inorganic double salt and sodium carbonate in a weight ratio of from about 1:10 to about 10:1; and (b) drying the detergent agglomerates so as to form the low density detergent composition having a density below about 600 g/l.

Abstract: A process for preparing detergent agglomerates for a detergent composition is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) providing a non-linear viscoelastic surfactant paste including, by weight of the surfactant paste, from about 70% to 95% of a detersive surfactant and from about 5% to about 30% of water; (b) regulating the amount of sodium carbonate in the surfactant paste such that the surfactant paste has a Maximum Shear Rate of at least 20 sec.sup.-1 so that the surfactant paste is processable; (c) charging the surfactant paste into a high speed mixer/densifier; (d) inputting from about 1% to about 70% by weight of a detergency builder into the high speed mixer/densifier; and (e) agglomerating the surfactant paste and the builder by treating the surfactant paste and the builder initially in the high speed mixer/densifier and subsequently in a moderate speed mixer/densifier so as to form detergent agglomerates.

Abstract: A low dosage, highly dense detergent product is provided. The detergent composition comprises: (a) from about 40% to about 80% by weight of spray dried detergent granules; (b) from about 20% to about 60% by weight of detergent agglomerates having a density of at least about 700 g/l; and (c) from about 1% to about 20% by weight of adjunct ingredients. The weight ratio of the granules to the agglomerates is from about 3:1 to about 1:3 and the composition has a density of at least about 650 g/l.

Abstract: A process for preparing high density detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l is provided. The process includes the steps of: (a) agglomerating an aqueous surfactant paste and dry detergent material in a mixer/densifier so as to form detergent agglomerates having a density of at least about 650 g/l; and (b) inputting air into the mixer/densifier while agglomerating the aqueous surfactant paste and the dry detergent material, wherein the air has a relative humidity below the equilibrium relative humidity of the detergent agglomerates such that at least a minor amount of water from the surfactant paste is absorbed by the air.

Abstract: Particulate compositions are provided incorporating crystalline layered sodium silicates and ionisable material selected from organic acids, organic and inorganic acid salts and mixtures thereof. These particulates can also contain surfactants and other detergent ingredients. Additionally, a method for making these particulates is described as well as a detergent composition incorporating them.

Abstract: A process for preparing particulate bodies containing a substantially water-insoluble organic peroxyacid compound, which process does not include a solidification step, including an early step of intimately mixing substantially water-insoluble peroxyacid compound with a peroxyacid-stable, water-soluble surfactant.

Abstract: A process for the production of a detergent composition having a predetermined relative humidity comprising forming a crude detergent composition having a relative humidity in excess of the predetermined level, for example in excess of 30% and contacting the said crude composition with a preconditioned gas having a relative humidity below the predetermined relative humidity wherein the temperature of the crude composition is maintained below the temperature at which the crude composition agglomerates thereby to form a low relative humidity detergent composition.

Abstract: A process for the production of free-flowing detergent granules or partial granules comprising the steps of:(a) providing an interiorly baffled, rotatable drying apparatus capable of rotating at high speeds;(b) introducing water-containing alkyl or alkenyl oligoglycoside pastes into the rotatable, drying apparatus;(c) introducing into the drying apparatus detergent components selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, detergent builders, and mixtures thereof; and(d) simultaneously drying and granulating the water-containing alkyl or alkenyl oligolycoside pastes and detergent components.

Abstract: Liquid alkyl lactam bleach activators are intimately mixed with a water-soluble surfactant and a thickener to form a bleach activator particle with good solubility, which perhydrolyzes well, and which is non-sticky and free flowing. Optionally, but preferably, the particles will further comprise binders and filler materials. Novel activator compositions comprising polyhydroxy fatty acid amides plus lactam activators are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing high density detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l is provided. The process comprises the step of continuously mixing detergent granules having a density of less than about 450 g/l in a moderate speed mixer/densifier wherein the granules are pulverized and densified to produce agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l . The mean residence time of the granules in the moderate speed mixer/densifier is at least about 12 minutes, and preferably from 12 to 15 minutes. The process further includes the step of either spraying a binder or adding a coating agent in the mixer/densifier to facilitate agglomeration of the granules. Thereafter, the agglomerates are dried to obtain the high density granular detergent agglomerates which are ready for packaging as a low dosage detergent.