1 DESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION: SURFACTANT-SUPPORTING GRANULE CLUSTER 5 TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to particles for supporting a surfactant and a method for producing the particles. Further, the present invention relates to high-density detergent particles in which the particles for 10 supporting a surfactant are used, and a detergent composition containing the detergent particles. BACKGROUND ART [0002] One method of obtaining a powder detergent is a method including 15 the step of supporting a liquid surfactant on particles for supporting a surfactant. In the method, the particles for supporting a surfactant are desired to have a high supporting ability of the liquid surfactant. In other words, the supporting abilities desired for the particles for supporting a surfactant are two factors of being capable of supporting a liquid surfactant 20 in a large amount (supporting capacity), and being capable of firmly holding the liquid surfactant that is once absorbed in an inner portion of the particles without bleeding out (supporting ability). The supporting capacity is important from the viewpoint of blending a surfactant in a necessary amount for detergency performance, and the supporting ability 25 is important from the viewpoint of suppressing bleed-out of the liquid 2 surfactant, and from the viewpoint of preventing the free-flowability of a powder detergent from being lowered, caking, or preventing the liquid surfactant from being migrated to a vessel or the surface. [0003] Further, the particles for supporting a surfactant are desired to have 5 a property of quickly absorbing a liquid surfactant (absorbing rate), from the viewpoint of productivity. [0004] Various studies have been so far made on the particles for supporting a surfactant as described above. For example, Patent Publication 1 discloses particles for supporting a surfactant prepared by 10 spray-drying a preparation liquid containing a water-soluble polymer and a water-soluble salt. However, in the production of the particles, spray drying is essential, and a method without employing spray-drying is desired, from the viewpoint of economic advantages. [0005] On the other hand, for example, Patent Publication 2 discloses a 15 method of drying a composition containing a hydrated inorganic salt and a polymeric organic binder. However, this method is a technique essentially for increasing absorption ability (corresponding to supporting capacity in the present invention) by drying the composition to thereby release hydration water, by which the adjustments of supporting ability and 20 absorbing rate are very difficult. For this reason, particles for supporting a surfactant that are excellent in all of the supporting capacity/supporting ability/absorbing rate are in demand. PRIOR ART REFERENCES 25 PATENT PUBLICATIONS 3 [0006] Patent Publication 1: JP-A-2004-244644 Patent Publication 2: JP-A-2002-541267 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 5 PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention advantageously provides particles for supporting a surfactant that are excellent in supporting capacity/supporting ability/absorbing rate of a liquid surfactant composition without employing spray-drying. In addition, the present invention provides high-density detergent particles in which the particles for supporting a 10 surfactant are used, and a detergent composition containing the detergent composition. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS [0008] Specifically, the gist of the present invention relates to: [1] a method for producing particles for supporting a surfactant having a bulk 15 density of 550 g/I or less, comprising the following steps 1(a) and 2: Step 1(a): mixing a clay mineral powder and a powder raw material excluding the clay mineral, the powder raw material having an oil absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more; and Step 2: adding water or an aqueous binder solution to a mixed 20 powder obtained in the step 1(a), and forming particles with a low-shearing granulator, wherein the low-shearing granulator is a pan-type granulator or a rotary granulator, and has a Froude number of 1.0 or less. [2] a method for producing particles for supporting a surfactant having a bulk 25 density of 550 g/l or less, comprising the following steps 1(b) and 2: Step 1(b) mixing a powder raw material excluding the clay mineral, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more; and Step 2: adding water or an aqueous binder solution to a mixed 30 powder obtained in the step 1(b), and forming particles with a low-shearing granulator, 4 wherein the low-shearing granulator is a pan-type granulator or a rotary granulator, and has a Froude number of 1.0 or less. [3] particles for supporting a surfactant having a bulk density of 550 g/l or less, wherein the particles for supporting a surfactant are prepared by the method as 5 defined in the above [1] or [2], and comprise a powder raw material excluding the clay mineral, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more: 40 to 95% by weight, a clay mineral powder: 0 to 45% by weight, a binder: 0 to 35% by weight, and 10 water: 0 to 15% by weight. [4] high-density detergent particles containing a surfactant composition supported by particles containing the particles for supporting a surfactant prepared by the method as defined in the above [1] or [2], or the particles for supporting a surfactant as defined in the above [3], wherein the bulk density of the high-density 15 detergent particles is from 500 to 1,000 g/L; and [5] a detergent composition containing the detergent particles as defined in the above [4]. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION 20 [0009] According to the present invention, the effects that particles for supporting a surfactant having excellent supporting capacity/supporting 5 ability/absorbing rate of a liquid surfactant composition can be contained by a method without employing spray-drying are exhibited. Further, the effects that detergent particles having excellent detergent performance, quality or the like can be efficiently obtained by supporting a liquid 5 surfactant composition on the particles for supporting a surfactant are exhibited. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0010] In the present invention, a particle for supporting a surfactant refers 10 to a particle containing at least a powder raw material excluding a clay mineral, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more, and water or an aqueous binder solution. A particle for supporting a surfactant is preferably a particle obtained by adding water or an aqueous binder solution to a mixed powder containing a powder raw 15 material excluding a clay mineral, the powder raw material having an oil absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more, and forming particles with a low shearing granulator, and the particle is used for supporting a liquid surfactant composition. A collective member of the particle is referred to as particles for supporting a surfactant. A detergent particle refers to a 20 particle containing a surfactant, a builder, or the like, in which the surfactant contains a liquid surfactant composition supported by a particle for supporting a surfactant, and detergent particles refer to a collective member of detergent particles. A detergent composition means a composition that contains detergent particles and separately added 25 detergent components other than the detergent particles as desired (for 6 example, a builder granule, a fluorescer, an enzyme, a perfume, a defoaming agent, a bleaching agent, a bleaching activator, or the like). The term water solubility (or being water-soluble) means that solubility to water at 25*C is 0.5 g/100 g or more, and the term water 5 insolubility (or being water-insoluble) means that solubility to water at 25*C is less than 0.5 g/100 g. [0011] A liquid surfactant composition refers to a composition containing a surfactant in a liquid state or a paste-like state upon supporting the surfactant on the particles for supporting a surfactant. 10 [0012] < Components of Particles for Supporting Surfactant > 1. Powder Raw material Excluding Clay Mineral, The Powder Raw Material Having An Oil-Absorbing Ability of 0.4 ml/g or More An essential component in the present invention includes a powder raw material excluding a clay mineral, the powder raw material having an 15 oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more. The oil-absorbing ability refers to a value determined by a method described in the Evaluation Methods of Qualities described later. The powder raw material excluding a clay mineral, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more refers to substantially a porous substance having fine 20 micropores having sizes of 10 ptm or less in an inner portion of the powder, the substance capable of supporting a surfactant in the micropores. The upper limit of the oil-absorbing ability is not particularly limited, and it is desired that the upper limit is, for example, 1.0 ml/g or less. [0013] The powder raw material has an average particle size of preferably 25 from 50 to 250 ptm, more preferably from 50 to 200 Rm, and even more 7 preferably from 80 to 200 [tm, from the viewpoint of formation of particles. [0014] In addition, it is preferable that the powder raw material is a water soluble substance, from the viewpoint of dissolubility. Examples of the powder raw material include soda light ash or soda ash, prepared by 5 baking sodium bicarbonate, sodium sulfate, a porous powder prepared by drying or a hydrate of sodium tripolyphosphate, and the like. Soda light ash is especially preferred, from the viewpoint of easiness in handling and easy availability. [0015] When soda light ash is used as a powder raw material, a surfactant 10 supporting ability can be even more improved by adjusting a temperature upon baking the sodium bicarbonate. The baking temperature is preferably from 1200 to 250'C, preferably from 150" to 220*C, and even more preferably from 150" to 200*C, from the viewpoint of supporting ability. [0016] The powder raw material is contained in an amount of preferably 15 from 40 to 95% by weight, more preferably from 45 to 90% by weight, even more preferably from 50 to 85% by weight, and especially preferably from 50 to 80% by weight, of the particles for supporting a surfactant, from the viewpoint of supporting ability. Here, in a case where the components are adjusted to the above components by a drying step, the 20 powder raw material is contained in an amount of preferably from 25 to 80% by weight, more preferably from 30 to 77% by weight, even preferably from 32 to 77% by weight, and especially preferably from 32 to 73% by weight, of the particles before carrying out the drying step. [0017] 2. Binder 25 The particles for supporting a surfactant in the present invention are 8 obtained by adding water or an aqueous binder solution to a powder raw material, and forming particles from a mixture of the powder raw material with a low-shearing granulator. In a case where a clay mineral is used, a mixture of the clay mineral and the powder raw material is formed into 5 particles. In a case where water is used, a bonding property generated by partially dissolving the powder raw material in water, or a bonding property of a clay mineral is utilized in formation of particles. In a case where an aqueous binder solution is used, a bonding property ascribed to the binder can be utilized, so that the formation of particles is more 10 facilitated. [0018] In addition, in a case where a drying step is included, when water is used, there is a concern in the lowering of particle strength accompanying drying; however, when an aqueous binding solution is used, an effect ascribed to the binder can be expected even after drying. Therefore, it is 15 preferable to use an aqueous binder solution. [0019] The binder is not particularly limited, so long as the binder has an ability of binding the components constituting the particle in the powder raw material with each other, and has the property of dissolving and/or dispersing in water quickly. The binder includes, for example, 20 polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers and derivatives thereof, polyvinyl alcohols and derivatives thereof, water soluble cellulose derivatives (derivatives thereof including ether compounds, and the like); organic polymers such as carboxylate polymers, starch, and saccharides; inorganic polymers such as amorphous silicate; 25 and the like.
9 [0020] The water-soluble cellulose derivatives, saccharides, and carboxylate polymers are preferred, and a salt of acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymer and a salt of polyacrylic acid are more preferred, from the viewpoint of bonding property and detergency. The salt is preferably a 5 sodium salt, a potassium salt, or an ammonium salt. Here, the carboxylate polymer has a weight-average molecular weight of preferably from 1,000 to 100,000, and more preferably from 2,000 to 80,000. [0021] The binder is contained in the particles for supporting a surfactant in an amount of preferably from 0 to 35% by weight, more preferably from 5 10 to 30% by weight, even more preferably from 8 to 20% by weight, and especially preferably from 10 to 20% by weight, of the particles for supporting a surfactant, from the viewpoint of bonding property and oil absorbing ability. Here, in a case where the amount of the binder is adjusted to the above components by a drying step, the binder is contained 15 in an amount of preferably from 0 to 30% by weight, more preferably from 3 to 25% by weight, even preferably from 5 to 17% by weight, and especially preferably from 7 to 17% by weight, of the particles before carrying out the drying step. [0022] The concentration of the aqueous binder solution is not particularly 20 limited. Since the particle sizes upon formation of particles are greatly affected by the volume of the aqueous binder solution, the concentration may be determined from a necessary amount of the binder and a desired particle size of the particles. [0023] 3. Clay Mineral 25 The clay mineral has a layered structure, and is capable of 10 supporting a liquid surfactant between the layers. Therefore, by blending with a clay mineral, a supporting capacity of a liquid surfactant can be increased, and at the same time a supporting ability can be improved. [0024] In addition, since the clay mineral exhibits bonding property by 5 containing water, the particle size of the particle for supporting a surfactant can be controlled by adjusting the amount of the clay mineral to be blended. [0025] The clay mineral may be added as a component for improving a supporting capacity/supporting ability, from the viewpoint of supporting 10 ability and particle size control. [0026] The clay mineral as mentioned above includes, for example, talc, pyrophyllites, smectites such as saponite, hectorite, sauconite, stevensite, montmorillonite, beidellite and nontronite, vermiculites, micas such as phlogopite, biotite, zinnwaldite, muscovite, paragonite, celadonite and 15 glauconite, chlorites such as clinochlore, chamosite, nimite, pennantite, sudoite and donbassite, brittle micas such as clintonite and margarite, thulite, serpentines such as antigorite, lizardite, chrysotile, amesite, cronstedtite, berthierine, greenalite and garnierite, kaolin minerals such as kaolinite, dickite, nacrite and halloysite, and the like. Among them, talc, 20 smectites, swellable micas, vermiculites, chrysotile, the kaolin minerals and the like are preferable, from the viewpoint of softening property. The smectites are more preferable, and the montmorillonite is even more preferable. These clay minerals can be used alone or in a combination of two or more kinds. 25 [0027] In addition, it is preferable that the clay mineral contains as a main 11 component a clay mineral represented by the following general formula (I): [Sis(MgaAlb)Om(OH)4]XMe* (I) wherein each of a, b and x satisfies 0 < a s 6, 0 < b s 4, x = 12-2a-3b, and 5 Me is at least one ion selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, Ca1/2, Mg1/2 and NH 4 , from the viewpoint of surfactant supporting ability. [0028] Examples of the clay mineral represented by the general formula (I) include "Laundrosil DGA212," "Laundrosil PR414," "Laundrosil 10 DG214," "Laundrosil DGA Powder," "EXM0242," and "HULA SOFT-1 Powder," manufactured by from Sfid-Chemie; "Detersoft GIS", "Detersoft GIB" and "Detersoft GISW" manufactured by Laviosa; Pure Bentonite, Standard Bentonite, and Premium Bentonite, manufactured by CSM; and the like. Among those given as the examples of the clay mineral listed 15 above, some of them exist in a particle style in which a binder component is added and formed into particles, and the binder component may be added so long as the effects of the present invention would not be impaired. [0029] In a case where a clay mineral listed above is used in the present invention, the shape of the clay mineral is preferably in the form of powder, 20 from the viewpoint of formation of particles, and in a case of a granular product, it is preferable that the granular product is disintegrated beforehand to a suitable granularity. The pulverizer that can be utilized for disintegration includes impact crushers such as hammer crusher; impact pulverizers such as atomizers and pin mills; shearing rough pulverizers 25 such as flash mills. These pulverizers may be carried out in a single-step 12 operation, or multi-step operations with the same or different pulverizers. [0030] The clay mineral powder has an average particle size of preferably 100 [m or less, more preferably 50 [tm or less, and even more preferably 30 [tm or less. 5 [0031] In addition, in the clay mineral represented by the general formula (I), the alkali metal ions, i.e. a total of Na ions, K ions, and Li ions, and the alkaline earth metal ions, i.e. a total of Ca ions and Mg ions, are in a molar ratio, i.e. [(Na + K + Li)/(Ca + Mg)], of preferably 1.0 or more, more preferably 1.5 or more, and even more preferably 2.0 or more, from the 10 viewpoint of supporting ability and dissolubility. [0032] In order to obtain a clay mineral having a high proportion of the alkali metal ions, if the clay mineral is a natural product, the producing region may be selected, and in a case where the clay granules are produced, an alkali metal salt can be added to prepare the granules, and a synthetic 15 product can be optionally prepared in any manner by a known method. [0033] 4. Water The particles for supporting a surfactant in the present invention contain water in a proper amount that is used in the production steps. The smaller the amount of water as measured with an infrared moisture meter, 20 the more preferred, from the viewpoint of increasing supporting capacity of a liquid surfactant composition of the particles. The amount of water is preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or less. [0034] 5. Other Components 25 Here, the particles for supporting a surfactant in the present 13 invention can be properly blended even with a substance other than the 1 to 4 listed above as occasion demands. However, the amount of these substances blended is preferably 20% by weight or less, even more preferably 10% by weight or less, and especially preferably 5% by weight 5 or less, from the viewpoint of supporting ability. Examples of substances that can be blended are given hereinbelow. [0035] - Chelating Agent The chelating agent can be blended for the purpose of suppressing the inhibition of detergent action by metal ions. A water-soluble chelating 10 agent is not particularly limited, so long as the chelating agent is a substance that holds a metal ion sequestering ability, and a crystalline silicate, a tripolyphosphate, an orthophosphate, a pyrophosphate, or the like can be used. Among them, the crystalline silicate and the tripolyphosphate are preferred. A water-insoluble chelating agent is 15 preferably particles that have an average particle size of from 0.1 to 20 pLm, from the viewpoint of dispersibility in water. The preferred water insoluble chelating agent includes crystalline aluminosilicates, including, for example, A-type zeolite, P-type zeolite, X-type zeolite, and the like, and the A-type zeolite is preferred, from the viewpoint of metal ion 20 sequestering ability and economic advantages. [0036] - Water-Soluble Inorganic Salt It is preferable that a water-soluble inorganic salt is added, for the purposes of enhancing an ionic strength of a washing liquid, and improving an effect such as sebum dirt washing. 25 The water-soluble inorganic salt is not particularly limited, so long 14 as the inorganic salt is a substance that has excellent solubility and does not give a disadvantageous influence on detergency. The water-soluble inorganic salt includes, for example, alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, and the like, each having a sulfate group or a sulfite group. 5 Among them, it is preferable that sodium sulfate, sodium sulfite, or potassium sulfate, each having a high degree of ionic dissociation is used as an excipient. Also, its combined use with magnesium sulfate is effective from the viewpoint of increasing the dissolution rate. [0037] - Water-Insoluble Excipient 10 The water-insoluble excipient is not particularly limited, so long as the water-insoluble excipient is a substance that has excellent dispersibility in water, and does not have a disadvantageous influence on detergency. The water-insoluble excipient includes, for example, crystalline or amorphous aluminosilicates, silicon dioxide, hydrated silicic acid 15 compounds, and the like. It is preferable that the water-insoluble excipient has an average primary particle size of from 0.1 to 20 [m, from the viewpoint of dispersibility in water. [0038] - Other Auxiliary Components. Other auxiliary components include fluorescers, pigments, dyes, and 20 the like. [0039] Here, the average particle size of the above components can be measured in accordance with the methods described in the Measurement Methods of Physical Properties described later. [0040] <Method for Producing Particles for Supporting Surfactant > 25 The particles for supporting a surfactant of the present invention can 15 be prepared by a method including the steps of stirring or mixing at least a powder raw material excluding a clay mineral, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more, and adding water or an aqueous binder solution to a mixed powder obtained, and forming particles 5 with a low-shearing granulator, that does not include a spray-drying step. [0041] 1. Step 1(a) In the step of mixing a clay mineral powder and a powder raw material excluding the clay mineral, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more, any methods may be employed 10 so long as the components can be substantially homogeneously mixed. For example, the mixing may be carried out with a low-shearing granulator used in the step 2, or the mixing may be previously carried out using a different mixer, and thereafter transferred to a low-shearing granulator. The different mixers to be used in powder mixing includes, for example, 15 rotary mixers, pan mixers, ribbon mixers, Nauta mixers, Shugi Mixers, L6dige mixers, High-Speed Mixers, and the like. [0042] Here, the clay mineral is contained in an amount of preferably from 1 to 45% by weight, more preferably from 2 to 40% by weight, even more preferably from 3 to 40% by weight, even more preferably from 3 to 35% 20 by weight, and especially preferably from 4 to 30% by weight, of the particles for supporting a surfactant, from the viewpoint of supporting ability and particle size control. Here, after the formation of particles, the particles may be dried as desired, and in a case where the components are adjusted to the above components by the drying step as mentioned above, 25 the clay mineral is contained in an amount of preferably from 1 to 40% by 16 weight, more preferably from 2 to 35% by weight, even more preferably from 3 to 30% by weight, even more preferably from 3 to 25% by weight, and especially preferably from 6 to 25% by weight, of the particles before carrying out the drying step. 5 [0043] In addition, the clay mineral and the powder raw material are in a weight ratio, i.e. clay mineral/powder raw material, of preferably from 1/1 to 1/30, more preferably from 1/1 to 1/20, and especially preferably from 1/2 to 1/20. [0044] 2. Step 1(b) 10 In the step of stirring or mixing a powder raw material excluding the clay mineral, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more, any methods may be employed so long as the components can be substantially homogeneously mixed. For example, the mixing may be carried out with a low-shearing granulator used in the step 15 2, or the mixing may be previously carried out using a different mixer, and thereafter transferred to a low-shearing granulator. [0045] The powder raw material excluding the clay mineral as used herein refers to a powder raw material that does not substantially contain a clay mineral, and the powder raw material may contain a clay mineral in an 20 amount of from 0 to 1.2% by weight, of the powder raw material. The clay mineral is contained in an amount of more preferably from 0 to 1.0% by weight, even more preferably from 0 to 0.8% by weight, and especially preferably from 0 to 0.6% by weight, of the powder raw material. [0046] The clay mineral is contained in an amount of preferably from 0 to 25 1% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 0.8% by weight, even more 17 preferably from 0 to 0.6% by weight, and especially preferably from 0 to 0.5% by weight, of the particles for supporting a surfactant, from the viewpoint of hues of the particles supporting a surfactant and the detergent particles containing a surfactant composition supported by the particles. 5 Here, after the formation of particles, the particles may be dried as desired, and in a case where the components are adjusted to the above components by the drying step as described above, the clay mineral is contained in an amount of preferably from 0 to 0.9% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 0.7% by weight, even more preferably from 0 to 0.5% by weight, and 10 especially preferably from 0 to 0.4% by weight, of the particles before carrying out the drying step. [0047] 3. Step 2 This step is a step including adding water or an aqueous binder solution to a mixed powder obtained in the step 1(a) or (b), and forming 15 particles with a low-shearing granulator. In this step, a particle having a structure in which the powder raw material is gradually aggregated is formed. Also, the step 1(a) or the step 1(b), and the step 2 can be carried out simultaneously. 20 [0048] The low-shearing granulator usable in this step may be any apparatus that gives a strong shear to a particle without densifying the particle. For example, even in a vertical or horizontal granulator equipped with a main blade and a disintegration blade that can give a high shearing force, the granulator can be utilized in the production of the particle of the 25 present invention by setting a rotational speed or a Froude number 18 described below to a low value, thereby controlling densification. In other words, the low-shearing granulator as used herein encompasses a granulator which can be operated by lowering a shearing force by setting or the like of operating conditions, even if the granulator is capable of 5 giving a high shearing force to a particle. [0049] As the low-shearing granulator, a pan type granulator or a rotary granulator, in which the formation of particles progresses with the rotation of the body of the granulator, are preferred, from the viewpoint of easiness in formation of particles and improvement in supporting ability. These 10 apparatuses can be used in both methods of a batch process and continuous process. Here, it is preferred to provide baffles for assisting mixing in the pan or rotary mixer, from the viewpoint of powder miscibility and liquid solid miscibility. [0050] In addition, in order to use a granulator for a low-shearing 15 granulator, the granulator is set to have a Froude number, as defined in the following formula, of preferably 1.0 or less, more preferably 0.8 or less, even more preferably 0.6 or less, and especially preferably 0.4 or less, from the viewpoint of supporting ability. [0051] Froude number: Fr = V 2 /(R x g), 20 wherein V is a peripheral speed [m/s], R is a radius from the center of rotation to the circumference of a rotated object [m], and g is a gravitational acceleration rate [m/s 2 ]. [0052] On the other hand, the granulator is set to have a Froude number of preferably 0.005 or more, and more preferably set to have the number of 25 0.01 or more, from the viewpoint of homogeneously adding water or an 19 aqueous binder solution to a mixed powder. [0053] It is supposed that the values for the main blade are used for V and R in a vertical or horizontal granulator equipped with a main blade and a disintegrating blade, and that the values of the body of the granulator are 5 used for V and R in the pan-type granulator or rotary granulator where the granulation is progressed with the rotations of the body of the granulator, the values for the body of the granulator. Also, it is supposed that the values for the disintegration blade are used for V and R in the pan-type granulator equipped with a disintegration blade. 10 [0054] In the present invention, it is important to obtain a particle having the structure in which the particles are formed at low shearing, and the particles are gradually aggregated. However, in cases of low shearing, there is a disadvantage that water or an aqueous binder solution is less likely to be homogeneously dispersed. For this reason, it is preferable that 15 a binder is homogenously dispersed by a liquid addition method. As a method of homogeneously dispersing a binder, there is a method of forming fine binder using a one-fluid nozzle, or a multi-fluid nozzle such as a two-fluid nozzle. [0055] The multi-fluid nozzle refers to a nozzle that allows to flow a binder 20 and a gas for formation fine particles, such as the air or nitrogen, in independent pathways, to communicate to a portion in the vicinity of a tip end portion of the nozzle, and mixing and forming particles. As the multi fluid nozzle, a two-fluid nozzle, a three-fluid nozzle, a four-fluid nozzle, or the like can be used. In addition, a mixing portion of the binder and the 25 gas for forming fine particles may be any one of an internal mixing type 20 where the mixing is carried out within a tip end portion of the nozzle, or an external mixing type where the mixing is carried out in the external of a tip end portion of the nozzle. [0056] Especially, it is preferred to add fine liquid droplets formed by using 5 a multi-fluid nozzle such as a two-fluid nozzle. As the multi-fluid nozzle mentioned above, for example, a wide-angled round type two-fluid nozzle (manufactured by Spraying Systems Japan K.K.), or a four-fluid nozzle (manufactured by Fujisaki Denki K.K.), or the like can be used. [0057] Moreover, when it is intended to increase a rate of adding a binder, 10 it is also effective to use plural number of these one-fluid nozzles or multi fluid nozzles, thereby increasing the rate of adding the binder, while maintaining the formation of fine droplets. [0058] By using the method as described above, a homogenous dispersion can be achieved even in an aqueous binder solution having a high viscosity, 15 so that particles for supporting a surfactant having an improved yield and a sharp particle size distribution are obtained. [0059] 4. Step 3 This step is an optional step including drying the particles obtained in the step 2. By removing water, gaps between the particles are increased, 20 whereby a supporting capacity can be even more improved. [0060] A drying method that does not give a strong shearing force as much as possible is preferred, from the viewpoint of suppressing the lowering of supporting capacity caused by the disintegration of the particles. For example, in a batch process, the drying method includes a method 25 including placing the particles in a vessel, and drying the particles with an 21 electric dryer or a hot air dryer; and a method of drying with a batch-type fluidized bed; or the like. In a continuous process, the drying method employs a vibration fluidized bed, a rotary dryer, a steam tube dryer, or the like. 5 [0061] A drying temperature is preferably 80"C or more, more preferably 120*C or more, even more preferably 150*C or more, and especially preferably 180*C or more, from the viewpoint of drying rate. In addition, in a case where an organic binder is used as a binder, and a drying temperature is preferably 300"C or less, more preferably 250*C or less, 10 and especially preferably 220"C or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing the degradation of the binder. [0062] < Physical Properties of Particles for Supporting Surfactant > The particles for supporting a surfactant in the present invention are particles having a structure in which at least a powder raw material 15 excluding a clay mineral, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more, is gradually aggregated. For this reason, the particles have two supporting sites: (1) large gaps between the powder raw materials, and (2) small gaps within the powder raw material (for example, gaps having sizes of 10 ttm or less). Among them, both (1) and (2) greatly 20 influence supporting capacity and supporting ability, and (1) greatly influences absorbing rate. By adjusting the two supporting sites, particles for supporting a surfactant having a desired supporting ability can be obtained. [0063] In addition, in a case where a clay mineral is blended, a liquid 25 surfactant composition can be supported between the layers, so that 22 improvement in supporting ability can be taken into account. [0064] The particles for supporting a surfactant of the present invention have a bulk density of 550 g/L or less, preferably from 400 to 550 g/L, and more preferably from 400 to 500 g/L, from the viewpoint of securing 5 supporting capacity of a liquid surfactant composition, and from the viewpoint of securing high bulk density after the liquid surfactant composition is supported. It is considered that a relatively low bulk density of the particles for supports of the present invention is accomplished by formation of particles with a low-shearing granulator 10 mentioned above. [0065] Also, the particles for supports have an average particle size of preferably from 140 to 600 urm, more preferably from 200 to 500 pm, and even more preferably from 200 to 400 [rm, from the viewpoint of powder dust property and dissolubility upon the use of a detergent composition 15 containing detergent particles containing particles for supporting a surfactant and a liquid surfactant composition supported thereto. [0066] The liquid surfactant composition of the particles for supporting a surfactant has an oil-absorbing ability of preferably 0.4 ml/g or more, even more preferably 0.45 ml/g or more, and especially preferably 0.5 ml/g or 20 more, from the viewpoint of increasing an allowable range of the amount of the liquid surfactant composition blended. It is considered that a relatively high oil-absorbing ability of the particles for supports of the present invention is accomplished by formation of particles with a low shearing granulator mentioned above. 25 [0067] The water of the particles for supporting a surfactant as measured 23 with an infrared moisture meter contained in a smaller amount is preferred, and the water is contained in an amount of preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or less, from the viewpoint of increasing supporting capacity of 5 the liquid surfactant composition on the particles. [0068] Specific components of the particles for supporting a surfactant of the present invention include, for example, components in which the particles have a bulk density of 550 g/l or less, a powder raw material excluding the clay mineral, the powder raw 10 material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 ml/g or more in an amount of from 40 to 95% by weight, a clay mineral powder in an amount of from 0 to 45% by weight, a binder in an amount of from 0 to 35% by weight, and water in an amount of from 0 to 15% by weight. 15 [0069] Here, bulk density, average particle size, oil-absorbing ability of a liquid surfactant composition, and water content can be measured in accordance with the methods described in the Measurement Methods of Physical Properties described later. [00701 < Components and Physical Properties of Detergent Particles > 20 The detergent particles of the present invention are high-density detergent particles containing the particles for supporting a surfactant according to the present invention, i.e. the particles for supporting a surfactant obtained by the production method of the present invention, and the particles for supporting a surfactant of the present invention, and a 25 surfactant composition supported thereto.
24 [0071] The detergent particles need not be used alone, so long as the particles for supporting a surfactant according to the present invention are contained, and can be used together with particles for supporting a surfactant obtained by spray drying or other method. Here, in a case 5 where the detergent particles are used together, a mixture of the particles according to the present invention and the particles obtained by spray drying or other method can be handled as the particles for supporting a surfactant. [0072] In a surfactant composition, each of an anionic surfactant and a 10 nonionic surfactant, for example, can be used alone, and it is more preferable that both the surfactants are used in a mixture. Especially, in a case where a nonionic surfactant having a melting point of 30*C or lower is used, it is preferable to use the nonionic surfactant together with a water soluble nonionic organic compound having a melting point of from 450 to 15 100*C and a molecular weight of from 1,000 to 30,000, the water-soluble nonionic organic compound having an action of elevating a melting point of a surfactant (hereinafter referred to as a "melting-point elevating agent"), or an aqueous solution thereof. Here, the melting-point elevating agent which can be used in the present invention includes, for example, 20 polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, Pluronic nonionic surfactants, and the like. Also, an amphoteric surfactant or a cationic surfactant can be used together, depending upon the purposes. In addition, an anionic surfactant such as an alkylbenzenesulfonate can be blended in an amount of preferably from 5 to 25% by weight of the 25 detergent particles, from the viewpoint of improving dispersibility of 25 detergent particles in water at low temperatures. [0073] As the surfactant composition, for example, one or more members selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants can be used. 5 The anionic surfactants are exemplified by alkylbenzenesulfonates; alkyl ether or alkenyl ether sulfates; a-olefinsulfonates; salts of a-sulfofatty acids or esters thereof; alkyl ether or alkenyl ether carboxylates, amino acid-type surfactants; N-acyl amino acid-type surfactants, and the like. Especially, linear alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkyl sulfates or alkyl ether 10 sulfates are preferred. The counterions are preferably alkali metals such as sodium and potassium, and amines such as monoethanolamine and diethanolamine. [0074] Further, in order to obtain defoaming effects, a fatty acid salt can be used in together therewith. 15 [0075] The nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl or alkenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl- or alkenylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl or alkenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycols as represented by the trade name "pluronic," polyoxyethylene alkylamines, higher fatty acid alkanolamides, alkyl 20 glucosides, alkyl glucosamides, alkylamine oxides, and the like. Among them, those having high hydrophilicity and those having a low forming ability of liquid crystals or having no formation of liquid crystals when mixed with water are preferable, and the polyoxyalkylene alkyl or alkenyl ethers are especially preferable. Preferably, ethylene oxide (hereinafter 25 simply referred to as "EO") adducts of alcohols, and the EO adducts and 26 propylene oxide (hereinafter simply referred to as "PO") adducts of alcohols are preferred. As the order of addition, there can be employed embodiments including an embodiment of adding EO, and thereafter adding PO; an embodiment of adding PO, and thereafter adding EO; or an 5 embodiment of adding randomly EO and PO. Especially preferable order of addition includes an embodiment of adding EO in a block form, thereafter adding PO in a block form, and further adding EO in a block form to give a compound represented by the general formula: R-0-(EO)x-(PO)y-(EO)z-H 10 wherein R is a hydrocarbon group, preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group; EO is an oxyethylene group; PO is an oxypropylene group; and X, Y and Z are each average moles thereof, among which most preferable average moles have the relations of X > 0; 15 Z > 0; X + Y + Z = 6 to 14; X + Z = 5 to 12; and Y = 1 to 4. [0076] The cationic surfactant includes quaternary ammonium salts such as alkyl trimethyl ammonium salts. The amphoteric surfactant is exemplified by carbobetain-type and sulfobetain-type surfactants and the like. 20 [0077] The amount of the anionic surfactant blended in the surfactant composition is preferably from 0 to 300 parts by weight, even more preferably from 20 to 200 parts by weight, and especially preferably from 30 to 180 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the nonionic surfactant. The amount of the melting point-elevating agent of the 25 nonionic surfactant blended is preferably from 1 to 100 parts by weight, 27 and even more preferably from 5 to 50 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the nonionic surfactant. In the above range, the surfactant composition is preferable, because the composition has a temperature range so that the viscosity of the composition at a temperature of a pour 5 point or higher of the composition is adjusted to preferably 10 Pas or less, more preferably 5 Pas or less, and especially preferably 2 Pas or less, and also has a temperature range so that the penetration hardness of the composition in the temperature range of lower than the pour point of the composition and higher than the melting point of the nonionic surfactant is 10 preferably 10 kPa or more, more preferably 30 kPa or more, and especially preferably 50 kPa or more, whereby the handling property of the composition and the detergent particles during production becomes excellent, and the bleed-out of the nonionic surfactant during storage of the detergent particles can be suppressed. 15 [0078] The values for the physical properties of the surfactant composition can be determined by the following method. The pour point can be measured by the method according to JIS K 2269. The melting point is determined by using FP800 Thermosystem "Mettler FP81" (manufactured by Mettler Instrumente AG) and heating at a heating rate of 0.2*C/min. 20 The viscosity is obtained by measuring with a B-type viscometer ("DVM B model" manufactured by TOKYO KEIKI), rotor No. 3 under the condition of 60 r/min. In addition, when the measurement value under the above conditions exceeds 2 Pas and becomes not measurable, the viscosity is obtained by measuring with rotor No. 3, under the condition of 25 12 r/min. The penetration hardness is a value obtained by determining a 28 load when an adaptor is penetrated for 20 mm at a penetration rate of 20 mm/min into an inner portion of the surfactant composition by using a rheometer ("NRM-3002D" manufactured by Fudo Kogyo K.K.) and a disc-shaped adaptor (No. 3, 8<) having a diameter of 8 mm and a bottom 5 area of 0.5 cm 2 , and dividing the resulting load by the bottom area of the disc-shaped adaptor. [0079] The amount of the surfactant composition is preferably in a range of from 10 to 100 parts by weight, more preferably in a range of from 20 to 80 parts by weight, and especially preferably in a range of from 30 to 10 60 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the particles for supports, from the viewpoint of the detergency and the dissolubility. [0080] When the surfactant composition is mixed with the particles for supporting a surfactant, a powder raw material other than the above powder raw material may be added as desired, and the amount thereof is 15 preferably from 0 to 150 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the particles. The powder raw material includes, for example, aluminosilicates, crystalline silicates such as PREFEED (manufactured by Tokuyama Siltex), and the like. [0081] The preferred physical properties of the detergent particles 20 according to the present invention are as follows. The bulk density is preferably from 500 to 1,000 g/L, more preferably from 600 to 1,000 g/L, and especially preferably from 650 to 900 g/L. The average particle size is preferably from 150 to 500 jim, and more preferably from 180 to 400 jim. 25 Here, the bulk density and the average particle size can be measured 29 in accordance with the Measurement Methods of Physical Properties described later. [0082] < Method for Producing Detergent Particles > A preferred method for obtaining detergent particles includes the 5 following step (I), and may further include step (II) as occasion demands. Step (I): mixing a surfactant composition with the particles for supporting a surfactant obtained in the method of the present invention, under condition that the surfactant composition is in a liquid state or a paste-like state. 10 Step (II): mixing the mixture obtained in step (I) with a surface coating agent, thereby coating the surface of the detergent particles obtained with the surface coating agent, provided that there is also included a case where step (II) proceeds simultaneously with the disintegration. 15 [0083] 1. Step (I) A method of supporting a surfactant composition in the particles for supports includes, for instance, a process including mixing the particles for supports with a surfactant composition by using a mixer for a batch process or continuous process. In the case of mixing by a batch process, as 20 a process of supplying to a mixer, there may be employed such methods as (1) a method including previously supplying particles for supports in a mixer, and thereafter adding thereto a surfactant composition; (2) a method including supplying particles for supports and a surfactant composition in the mixer in small amounts at a time; (3) a method including supplying a 25 part of particles for supports in a mixer, and thereafter supplying the 30 remaining particles for supports and a surfactant composition in the mixer in small amounts at a time, and the like. [0084] Among the surfactant compositions, those which are present as solids or pasty states even if heated within a practical temperature range, 5 for instance, from 50* to 90*C, are previously dispersed or dissolved in a nonionic surfactant having low viscosity, an aqueous solution of a nonionic surfactant, or water, to prepare a liquid mixture or aqueous solution of a surfactant composition, to be added to the particles for supports in the form of a liquid mixture or aqueous solution. By this 10 process, those surfactant compositions which are present as solids or pasty form can be easily added to the particles for supports. The mixing ratio of the surfactant composition having a low viscosity or water to the solid or pasty surfactant composition is preferably such that the resulting liquid mixture or aqueous solution has a viscosity range of which is sprayable. 15 [0085] The method for producing the above liquid mixture includes, for example, a method including supplying a solid or paste-like surfactant composition to a surfactant having a low viscosity or water, and mixing the mixture; or a method for producing a liquid mixture of a surfactant composition including neutralizing an acid precursor of a surfactant, for 20 example, a surfactant having a low viscosity or water or an acid precursor of a surfactant in water, with an alkalizing agent, for instance, an aqueous sodium hydroxide or an aqueous potassium hydroxide, in a surfactant having a low viscosity or water. [0086] Also, in this step, an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant can be 25 added before adding a surfactant composition, simultaneously with adding 31 a surfactant composition, in the course of adding a surfactant composition, or after adding a surfactant composition. By adding the acid precursor of an anionic surfactant, there can be achieved improvements in properties and quality, such as high concentration of the surfactants, supporting 5 abilities of particles for supports, control for the supporting abilities thereof, and suppression of bleed-out of the nonionic surfactant and the flowability of the resulting detergent particles. [0087] The acid precursor of an anionic surfactant which can be used in the present invention includes, for example, alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, 10 alkyl ether or alkenyl ether sulfuric acids, alkyl- or alkenylsulfuric acids, a-olefinsulfonic acids, c-sulfonated fatty acids, alkyl ether or alkenyl ether carboxylic acids, fatty acids, and the like. It is especially preferable that the fatty acid is added after adding the surfactant, from the viewpoint of improvement in the flowability of the detergent particles. 15 [0088] The amount of the acid precursor of an anionic surfactant used is preferably from 0.5 to 30 parts by weight, more preferably from 1 to 20 parts by weight, even more preferably from 1 to 10 parts by weight, and especially preferably from 1 to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the particles for supports. In addition, as the method of adding 20 the acid precursor of an anionic surfactant, it is preferable that those in a liquid state at an ordinary temperature are supplied by spraying, and that those in a solid state at an ordinary temperature may be added as a powder, or they may be supplied by spraying after melting the solid. Here, in a case of adding the acid precursor as a powder, it is preferable that the 25 temperature of the detergent particles in the mixer is raised to a 32 temperature at which the powder melts. [0089] Preferable mixers specifically include as follows. In a case of mixing by a batch process, those of (1) to (3) are preferable: (1) Henschel Mixer (manufactured by Mitsui Miike Machinery Co., Ltd.); High-Speed 5 Mixer (Fukae Powtec Corp.); Vertical Granulator (manufactured by Powrex Corp.); L6dige Mixer (manufactured by Matsuzaka Giken Co., Ltd.); PLOUGH SHARE Mixer (manufactured by PACIFIC MACHINERY & ENGINEERING Co., LTD.); mixers disclosed in JP-A Hei 10-296064, mixers disclosed in JP-A-Hei 10-296065, and the like; (2) 10 Ribbon Mixer (manufactured by Nichiwa Kikai Kogyo K.K.); Batch Kneader (manufactured by Satake Kagaku Kikai Kogyo K.K.); Ribocone (manufactured by K.K. Okawahara Seisakusho), and the like; (3) Nauta Mixer (manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corp.), SV Mixer (Shinko Pantec Co., Ltd.), and the like. Among the above-mentioned mixers, 15 preferable are L6dige Mixer, PLOUGH SHARE Mixer, and the mixers disclosed in JP-A-Hei 10-296064, mixers disclosed in JP-A-Hei 10 296065, and the like. Since step (II) described below can be carried out by the same mixer, these mixers are preferable from the viewpoint of simplification of equipments. Especially, the mixers disclosed in JP-A 20 Hei 10-296064 and the mixers disclosed in JP-A-Hei 10-296065 are preferable, because the moisture and temperature of the mixture can be regulated by aeration, whereby the disintegration of the particles for supporting a surfactant can be suppressed. In addition, mixers, such as Nauta Mixer, SV Mixer and Ribbon Mixer, which are capable of mixing 25 powders with liquids without applying a strong shearing force, are 33 preferable from the viewpoint that the disintegration of the particles for supporting a surfactant can be suppressed. [0090] Also, the particles for supports may be mixed with a surfactant composition by using the above-mentioned continuous process-type mixer. 5 Also, the continuous process-type mixer other than those listed above includes Flexo Mix (manufactured by Powrex Corp.), Turbulizer (manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation), and the like. [0091] In addition, in this step, when a nonionic surfactant is used, it is preferable that a water-soluble nonionic organic compound (hereinafter 10 referred to as "melting point-elevating agent") having a melting point of from 450 to 100*C and a molecular weight of from 1000 to 30000, or an aqueous solution thereof, which has a function of elevating a melting point of this nonionic surfactant, is added before adding a surfactant composition, simultaneously with adding a surfactant composition, in the 15 course of adding a surfactant composition, or after adding a surfactant composition, or previously mixed with a surfactant composition. By adding the melting point-elevating agent, the caking property of the detergent particles and the bleed-out property of the surfactants in the detergent particles can be suppressed. Here, as these melting point 20 elevating agents, the same ones as those exemplified in the melting point elevating agent in the composition of the detergent particles described above can be used. The amount of the melting point-elevating agent used is preferably from 0.5 to 8 parts by weight, more preferably from 0.5 to 5 parts by weight, and most preferably from 1 to 3 parts by weight, based 25 on 100 parts by weight of the particles for supports. The above range is 34 preferable from the viewpoint of the suppression of the aggregation between particles, the fast dissolubility, and the suppression of the bleed out property and the caking property, each property of which is owned by the detergent particle contained in the detergent particles. A method of 5 adding the melting point-elevating agent, including adding by previously mixing the melting point-elevating agent with a surfactant by an arbitrary process, or a method including adding a surfactant, and thereafter adding the melting point-elevating agent, is advantageous for the suppression of the bleed-out property and the caking property of the detergent particles. 10 [0092] As to the temperature within the mixer in this step, it is more preferable that mixing is carried out by heating to a temperature equal to or higher than the pour point of the surfactant composition. Incidentally, the pour point of the surfactant composition is measured according to the method of JIS K 2269. Here, the temperature to be heated may be a 15 temperature higher than the pour point of the surfactant composition added in order to promote the support of the surfactant composition, and the practical temperature range is preferably from a temperature exceeding a pour point to a temperature higher than the pour point by 50'C, more preferably a temperature higher than the pour point by 100 to 30*C. In 20 addition, in the case where an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant is added in this step, it is more preferable to mix the components after heating to a temperature at which the acid precursor of an anionic surfactant can react. [0093] The mixing time in a batch process and the average residence time 25 in the mixing in a continuous process for obtaining the suitable detergent 35 particles are preferably from 1 to 20 minutes, and more preferably from 2 to 10 minutes. [0094] In addition, in the case where an aqueous solution of a surfactant or an aqueous solution of a water-soluble nonionic organic compound is 5 added as a surfactant composition, a step of drying excess water contents during mixing and/or after mixing may be included. [0095] A powdery surfactant and/or a powdery builder can also be added before adding a surfactant composition, simultaneously with adding a surfactant composition, in the course of adding a surfactant composition, 10 or after adding a surfactant composition. By adding the powdery builder, the particle size of the detergent particles can be controlled, and an improvement in detergency can be achieved. Especially in the case where the acid precursor of an anionic surfactant is added, it is effective to add a powdery builder showing alkaline property prior to adding the acid 15 precursor, from the viewpoint of accelerating the neutralization reaction. Incidentally, the term "powdery builder" mentioned herein refers to an agent for enhancing detergency other than surfactants which is in a powdery form, concretely, including base materials showing metal ion sequestering ability, such as zeolite and citrates; base materials showing 20 alkalizing ability, such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate; base materials having both metal ion sequestering ability and alkalizing ability, such as crystalline silicates; other base materials enhancing ionic strength, such as sodium sulfate; and the like. [0096] Here, as crystalline silicates, those described in JP-A-Hei 5-279013, 25 column 3, line 17 (especially, those prepared by a process comprising 36 calcinating and crystallizing at a temperature of from 5000 to 1000*C being preferable); JP-A-Hei 7-89712, column 2, line 45; and JP-A-Sho 60 227895, page 2, lower right column, line 18 (especially the silicates in Table 2 being preferable) can be used as preferred powdery builders. Here, 5 the alkali metal silicates having an SiO 2
/M
2 0 ratio, wherein M is an alkali metal, of from 0.5 to 3.2, preferably from 1.5 to 2.6, are more favorably used. [0097] The amount of the powdery builder used is preferably from 0.5 to 12 parts by weight, more preferably from 1 to 6 parts by weight, based on 10 100 parts by weight of the particles for supports. When the amount of the powdery builder for detergents used is in the above range, those having an excellent fast dissolubility are obtained. [0098] Further, subsequent to the step (I), it is preferable to add a step (II) including surface-modifying the detergent particles. 15 [0099] 2. Step (II) In the present invention, in order to modify the particle surface of the detergent particles by which the surfactant is supported by in the step (I), the embodiments for addition may include a process comprising one or more steps of the step (II) including adding various surface coating agents 20 such as (1) fine powder, and (2) a liquid material. [0100] Since the flowability and the anti-caking property of the detergent particles tend to improve by coating the particle surface of the detergent particles of the present invention, it is preferable to include a surface modifying step. The apparatuses used in the step (II) are preferably those 25 equipped with both agitation blades and disintegration blades among the 37 mixers exemplified in the step (I). Each of the surface coating agents will be explained below. [0101] (1) Fine Powder As the fine powder, it is preferable that the average particle size of 5 its primary particle is 10 tim or less, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 rim. When the particle size is in the above range, it is favorable from the viewpoints of the improvements in the coating ratio of the particle surface of the detergent particles, and improvements in the flowability and the anti-caking property of the detergent particles. The average particle size of 10 the fine powder can be measured by a method utilizing light scattering by, for instance, a particle analyzer (manufactured by Horiba, LTD.), or it may be measured by a microscopic observation or the like. In addition, it is preferable that the fine powder has a high ion exchange capacity or a high alkalizing ability from the aspect of detergency. 15 [0102] The fine powder is desirably aluminosilicates, which may be crystalline or amorphous. Besides the aluminosilicates, fine powders of sodium sulfate, calcium silicate, silicon dioxide, bentonite, talc, clay, amorphous silica derivatives, crystalline silicates, and the like are preferable. In addition, there can be also similarly used a metal soap of 20 which primary particles have a size of 0.1 to 10 pm, a powdery surfactant (for instance, an alkyl sulfate, or the like), or a water-soluble organic salt. In addition, when the crystalline silicate is used, it is preferably used in admixture with fine powder other than the crystalline silicate for the purpose of preventing deterioration owing to aggregation of the crystalline 25 silicates by moisture absorption and carbon dioxide absorption, and the 38 like. [0103] The amount of the fine powder used is preferably from 0.5 to 40 parts by weight, more preferably from 1 to 30 parts by weight, and especially preferably from 2 to 20 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by 5 weight of the detergent particles. When the amount of the fine powder used is in the above range, the flowability is improved, thereby giving a good sense of feel to consumers. [0104] (2) Liquid Materials The liquid materials include water-soluble polymers, fatty acids, and 10 the like, which may be added in the form of aqueous solutions and molten states. [0105] (2-1) Water-Soluble Polymer The water-soluble polymer includes carboxymethyl celluloses, polyethylene glycols, polycarboxylates such as sodium polyacrylate and 15 copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid and salts thereof, and the like. The amount of the water-soluble polymer used is preferably from 0.5 to 10 parts by weight, more preferably from 1 to 8 parts by weight, and especially preferably from 2 to 6 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the detergent particles. When the amount of the water-soluble 20 polymer used is in the above range, the detergent particles exhibiting excellent dissolubility and excellent flowability and anti-caking properties can be obtained. [0106] (2-2) Fatty Acid The fatty acid includes, for instance, fatty acids having 10 to 22 25 carbon atoms, and the like. The amount of the fatty acid used is preferably 39 from 0.5 to 5 parts by weight, and especially preferably from 0.5 to 3 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the detergent particles. In a case of a fatty acid in a solid state at ordinary temperature, it is preferable that the fatty acid is heated to a temperature exhibiting flowability, and 5 then supplied to the detergent particles by spraying. [0107] < Detergent Composition > The detergent composition in the present invention is a composition containing the detergent particles described above, and the composition further comprises separately added detergent components other than the 10 detergent particles (for instance, builder particles, fluorescent dyes, enzymes, perfumes, defoaming agents, bleaching agents, bleaching activators, and the like). [0108] The detergent particles are contained in an amount of preferably 50% by weight or more, more preferably 60% by weight or more, even 15 more preferably 70% by weight or more, and especially preferably 80% by weight or more and 100% by weight or less, of the detergent composition, from the viewpoint of detergency. [0109] The detergent components other than the detergent particles are contained in an amount of preferably 50% by weight or less, more 20 preferably 40% by weight or less, even more preferably 30% by weight or less, and especially preferably 20% by weight or less, of the detergent composition. [0110] < Method for Producing Detergent Composition > The method for producing a detergent composition is not 25 particularly limited, and an example thereof includes a method of mixing 40 the detergent particles and separately added detergent components. Since the detergent composition obtained in the manner described above contains a detergent particle having a large supporting capacity of the surfactant, sufficient detergent effects can be exhibited even with a small 5 amount. The application of such a detergent composition is not particularly limited, as long as it is applied to powder detergent, including, for example, laundry powder detergents, detergents for automatic dishwashers, and the like. [0111] < Measurement Methods of Physical Properties > 10 1. Bulk Density Bulk density is measured in accordance with a method prescribed in JIS K 3362. [0112] 2. Average Particle Size Average particle sizes are determined in accordance with the 15 following two methods. (1) For those having an average particle size of 80 [tm or more, an average particle size is obtained by vibrating particles for 5 minutes using standard sieves of JIS K 8801 (sieve openings from 2000 to 125 [Lm), and calculating a median size from weight percentages according to the sizes 20 of the sieve openings. More specifically, nine-step sieves having sieve openings of 125 Rm, 180 [tm, 250 [tm, 355 [tm, 500 sm, 710 pim, 1000 [tm, 1400 pim, and 2000 ptm and a receiving tray used, and the sieves were stacked on the receiving tray in the order beginning from those sieves having smaller sieve openings, and 100 g of particles are added from 25 above the uppermost sieve having a size of 2000 Rm, and a lid is placed 41 over the particles, and attached to a rotating and tapping shaker machine (manufactured by HEIKO SEISAKUSHO, tapping: 156 times/min, rolling: 290 times/min). The particles are vibrated for 5 minutes, and the weights of the particles remaining on each of the sieves and the receiving 5 tray are measured, and weight proportions (%) of the particles on each sieve is calculated. The weight proportions of the particles in the order beginning from the receiving tray to those sieves having smaller sieve openings are cumulated, and a particle size at which a total is 50% is defined as an average particle size. 10 [0113] Here, as to those products having an average particle size of 125 [Lm or less, similar measurements are carried out using 12-step sieves having sieve openings of 45 [tm, 63 4m, 90 4m, 125 [cm, 180 jim, 250 [tm, 355 [tm, 500 jim, 710 jim, 1000 jim, 1400 [tm, and 2000 jim, and a receiving tray, and an average particle size is calculated. 15 [0114] (2) As to those having an average particle size of less than 80 jm, a laser diffraction/scattering type particle size analyzer LA 920 (manufactured by Horiba, LTD.) is used, and particles are dispersed in a solvent that does not dissolve the particles, and a median size measured is defined as an average particle size. Incidentally, regarding (2), those 20 particles having a size of 150 [tm or less can be also measured. [0115] 3. Water Content Water content of the particle is measured in accordance with an infrared moisture meter method. Specifically, a 3 g sample is weighed and placed on a weighing dish of a known weight, and the sample is heated at 25 200*C with an infrared moisture meter (FD-240, manufactured by Kett 42 Kagaku Kenkyujo K.K.). A time point at which there is not weight change for 30 seconds is defined as a termination of drying. Thereafter, a water content is calculated from the weight after drying and the weight before drying. 5 [0116] 4. Flowability A flow time is defined as a time period required for flowing 100 mL of powder from a hopper used in a measurement of bulk density as prescribed in JIS K 3362. The flow time is preferably 10 seconds or less, more preferably 8 seconds or less, and even more preferably 7 seconds or 10 less. [0117] < Evaluation Methods for Qualities > 1. Oil-Absorbing Ability A 30 to 35g powder is supplied into an absorption amount measurement apparatus (S410, manufactured by ASAHISOUKEN, and 15 driving blades are rotated at 200 r.p.m. To this powder a liquid nonionic surfactant (EMULGEN 108, manufactured by Kao Corporation) is added dropwise at a liquid feeding rate of 4 mI/min, and a point that reaches a maximum torque is probed thoroughly. The amount of the liquid at a point satisfying 70% of the torque of this maximum torque is divided by 20 an amount of the powder supplied, and the resultant value is defined as an oil-absorbing ability. [0118] 2. Particle Size Distribution As an index for the particle size distribution, detergent particles having sizes that pass through a sieve having a size of 1410 ptm are fitted, 25 to calculate Rosin-Rammler number, and used. In the calculation for the 43 Rosin-Rammler number, the following formula is used. [0119] log (log (100/R (Dp)))=nlog (Dp/De) R (Dp): a cumulative percentage [%] of powder having particle sizes of Dp stm or more; 5 Dp: a particle size [pm] De: an average particle size [ m] n: a Rosin-Rammler number [0120] The larger the Rosin-Rammler number n, the sharper the particle size distribution. n is preferably 1.0 or more, and more preferably 1.5 or 10 more. [0121] 3. Dissolubility As an index for dissolubility in the present invention, a 60-seconds dissolution ratio of the detergent particles explained hereinbelow can be used. The dissolution ratio is preferably 90% or more, and more 15 preferably 95% or more. Here, detergent compositions can be evaluated in the same manner. [0122] The 60-seconds dissolution ratio of the detergent particles is calculated by the method described below. A 1-liter beaker (a cylindrical form having an inner diameter of 20 105 mm and a height of 150 mm, for example, a 1-liter glass beaker manufactured by Iwaki Glass Co., Ltd.) is charged with 1 liter of hard water cooled to 5*C and having a water hardness corresponding to 71.2 mg CaCO 3 /L (a molar ratio of Ca/Mg: 7/3). With keeping the water temperature constant at 5*C with a water bath, water is stirred with a 25 stirring bar [length: 35 mm and diameter: 8 mm, for instance, Model 44 "TEFLON SA" (MARUGATA-HOSOGATA), manufactured by ADVANTEC] at a rotational speed (800 r.p.m.), such that a depth of swirling to the water depth is about 1/3. The detergent particles which are accurately sample-reduced and weighed so as to be 1.0000 g ± 0.0010 g 5 are supplied and dispersed in water with stirring, and stirring is continued. After 60 seconds from supplying the particles, a liquid dispersion of the detergent particles in the beaker is filtered with a standard sieve (diameter: 100 mm) having a sieve-opening of 74 tm as defined by JIS Z 8801 of a known weight. Thereafter, water-containing detergent particles remaining 10 on the sieve are collected in an open vessel of a known weight together with the sieve. Incidentally, the operation time from the start of filtration to collection of the sieve is set at 10 sec ± 2 sec. The insoluble remnants of the collected detergent particles are dried for one hour in an electric dryer heated to 105*C. Thereafter, the dried insoluble remnants are cooled 15 by keeping in a desiccator with a silica gel (25*C) for 30 minutes. After cooling the insoluble remnants, a total weight of the dried insoluble remnants of the detergent, the sieve and the collected vessel is measured, and the dissolution ratio (%) of the detergent particles is calculated by the formula (1): 20 [0123] Dissolution Ratio (%) = {1 - (T/S)} x 100 (1) wherein S is a weight (g) of the detergent particles supplied; and T is a dry weight (g) of insoluble remnants of the detergent particles remaining on the sieve when an aqueous solution prepared under the above stirring conditions is filtered with the sieve (drying conditions: 25 maintaining at a temperature of 105*C for 1 hour, and thereafter 45 maintaining for 30 minutes in a desiccator (25*C) containing silica gel). [0124] 4. Yield of Particles Yield of the particles in the present invention is determined by proportions of the particles having a specified particle size range of the 5 entire particles. For example, yield in particles having particle sizes of from 125 to 1000 [tm means proportions of the particles having particle sizes of 125 [tm or more and 1000 gm or less of the entire particles. [0125] 5. Yield of Detergent The yield of detergent in the present invention refers to a proportion 10 of the particles having particle sizes of 1180 pm or less of a detergent composition obtained by mixing the above detergent particles and separately added detergent components. EXAMPLES 15 [0126] In the present examples, the following raw materials were used, unless specified otherwise. Light Ash 1: Average particle size: 100 ptm (manufactured by Central Glass Co., Ltd., oil absorbing ability: 0.45 ml/g) 20 Light Ash 2: Average particle size: 175 ptm (manufactured by Central Glass Co., Ltd., oil absorbing ability: 0.69 ml/g) Clay Mineral: "Laundrosil DGA Powder" manufactured by Siid-Chemie 25 Sodium Polyacrylate: Weight-average molecular weight: 10,000 46 (manufactured by Kao Corporation) Dense Ash: Average particle size: 290 [rm, (manufactured by Central Glass Co., Ltd. Sodium Sulfate: Anhydrous neutral sodium sulfate (manufactured 5 by Shikoku Kasei K.K.) [0127] Example 1 The amount 2.1 kg of Clay Mineral and 4.9 kg of Light Ash 1 (clay mineral/powder raw material = 3/7) were mixed in a 70-L rotary granulator ($40 cm X L 60 cm, rotational speed: 32 r.p.m., Froude 10 number: 0.23) having baffles. After mixing the components for 2 minutes, 2.5 kg of water was added thereto in 3 minutes with a one-fluid nozzle (manufactured by Spraying System Japan K.K., spraying pressure of binder: 0.4 MPa). After the addition, the mixture was formed into particles for 3 minutes, and the particles were then discharged from the 15 rotary granulator. The particles were dried at 200*C for 3 hours with an electric dryer. The water content after drying was 1.1% by weight. [0128] The resulting particles 1 are particles having an average particle size of 204 [rm, a bulk density of 490 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.52 ml/g. In addition, the particles had an yield of particles having sizes 20 of from 125 to 1000 Rm of 56%, and a Rosin-Rammler number of 1.0. [0129] Example 2 The amount 2.1 kg of Clay Mineral and 4.2 kg of Light Ash 1 (clay mineral/powder raw material = 1/2) were mixed in a 70-L rotary granulator ($40 cm X L 60 cm, rotational speed: 32 r.p.m., Froude 25 number: 0.23) having baffles. After mixing the components for 2 minutes, 47 3.8 kg of a 25% aqueous solution of sodium polyacrylate was added thereto in 5 minutes with a two-fluid nozzle (manufactured by Spraying System Japan K.K., spraying pressure of binder: 0.15 MPa, air spraying pressure for formation of particles: 0.3 MPa). After the addition, the 5 mixture was formed into particles for 3 minutes, and the particles were then discharged from the rotary granulator. The particles were dried at 200*C for 3 hours with an electric dryer. The water content after drying was 1.3% by weight. [0130] The resulting particles 2 are particles having an average particle size 10 of 320 Rm, a bulk density of 495 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.51 ml/g. In addition, the particles had an yield of particles having sizes of from 125 to 1000 ptm of 56%, and a Rosin-Rammler number of 1.6. [0131] Example 3 The amount 2.1 kg of Clay Mineral and 4.2 kg of Light Ash 2 (clay 15 mineral/powder raw material = 1/2) were mixed in a 70-L rotary granulator ($40 cm X L 60 cm, rotational speed: 32 r.p.m., Froude number: 0.23) having baffles. After mixing the components for 2 minutes, 3.8 kg of a 25% aqueous solution of sodium polyacrylate was added thereto in 5 minutes with the two-fluid nozzle. After the addition, the 20 mixture was formed into particles for 3 minutes, and the particles were then discharged from the rotary granulator. The particles were dried at 200"C for 3 hours with an electric dryer. The water content after drying was 0.9% by weight. [0132] The resulting particles 3 are particles having an average particle size 25 of 390 Rm, a bulk density of 430 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 48 0.58 ml/g. In addition, the particles had an yield of particles having sizes of from 125 to 1000 [tm of 93%, and a Rosin-Rammler number of 2.5. [0133] Production Example 1 A mixing vessel was charged with 375 parts by weight of water. 5 After the water temperature reached 35*C, 127 parts by weight of sodium sulfate, 5 parts by weight of sodium sulfite, and 1 part by weight of a fluorescer were added thereto, and the components were stirred for 10 minutes. One-hundred and twenty-seven parts by weight of sodium carbonate were added to the mixture, 75 parts by weight of a 40% by 10 weight aqueous solution of sodium polyacrylate were added to the mixture, and the components were stirred for 10 minutes, to provide a first preparation liquid. A fine crystal precipitating agent sodium chloride was added to the first preparation liquid in an amount of 24 parts by weight, and the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Further, 266 parts by weight 15 of zeolite were added thereto, and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes, to provide a homogeneous second preparation liquid (water content of slurry: 42% by weight). [0134] The second preparation liquid was fed to a spray-drying tower (countercurrent type) with a pump, and sprayed from a pressure spraying 20 nozzle arranged near the top of the tower at a spraying pressure of 2.5 MPa. A high-temperature gas to be fed to a spray-drying tower was fed at 200*C from the lower part of the tower, and discharged at 90'C from the top of the tower. The resulting particles 4 had a water content of 4% by weight. The resulting particles were particles having an average particle size of 25 285 ptm and a bulk density of 476 g/L.
49 [0135] Example 5 One-hundred parts by weight of Light Ash 1 and 0.6 parts by weight of Clay Mineral were supplied into a 70-L rotary granulator (40 cm X L 60 cm, rotational speed: 32 r.p.m., Froude number: 0.23) 5 having baffles, and 55.9 parts by weight of a 35% aqueous solution of sodium polyacrylate were added thereto in 5.5 minutes with the two-fluid nozzle. After the addition, the mixture was formed into particles for 3 minutes, and the particles were then discharged from the rotary granulator. The particles were dried at 200"C for 3 hours with an electric 10 dryer. The water content after drying was 1.0% by weight. [0136] The resulting particles 5 are particles having an average particle size of 317 4m, a bulk density of 489 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.51 ml/g. In addition, the particles had an yield of particles having sizes of from 125 to 1000 [tm of 97%, and a Rosin-Rammler number of 2.9. 15 [0137] Example 6 One-hundred parts by weight of Light Ash 1 were supplied into a 70-L rotary granulator (40 cm X L 60 cm, rotational speed: 32 r.p.m., Froude number: 0.23) having baffles, and 55.6 parts by weight of a 35% aqueous solution of sodium polyacrylate were added thereto in 5.5 minutes 20 with the two-fluid nozzle. After the addition, the mixture was formed into particles for 3 minutes, and the particles were then discharged from the rotary granulator. The particles were dried at 200'C for 3 hours with an electric dryer. The water content after drying was 0.9% by weight. [0138] The resulting particles 6 are particles having an average particle size 25 of 328 [tm, a bulk density of 448 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 50 0.61 ml/g. In addition, the particles had an yield of particles having sizes of from 125 to 1000 pLm of 95.2%, and a Rosin-Rammler number of 2.5. [0139] Example 8 A surfactant composition (polyoxyethylene alkyl ether/polyethylene 5 glycol/sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate/water = 42/8/42/8 (weight ratio)) was heated to 80 C. Next, 100 parts by weight of the particles 3 for supporting a surfactant obtained were supplied into a L5dige mixer (manufactured by Matsuzaka Giken, volume: 130 L, equipped with a jacket), and stirring of the main shaft (agitation blade, rotational speed: 10 60 rpm, peripheral speed: 1.6 m/s) was started. Here, a hot water at 80*C was allowed to flow through a jacket at a rate of 10 L/min. Thereto were added 50 parts by weight of the above surfactant composition in 2 minutes, and thereafter the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes. Further, 6 parts by weight of an amorphous aluminosilicate was supplied thereinto, and 15 stirring of the main shaft (rotational speed: 120 rpm, peripheral speed: 3.1 m/s) and the chopper(rotational speed: 3600 rpm, peripheral speed: 28m/s) was carried out for 1 minutes, and Detergent Particles 1 were discharged. [0140] Detergent Particles 1 obtained had an average particle size of 20 481 [tm, a bulk density of 800 g/L, and a free flowability of 5.8 s. [0141] Example 9 Detergent Particles 2 were produced in accordance with the method shown below using the particles 3 for supporting a surfactant produced in Example 3 and the particles 4 for supporting a surfactant produced by 25 spray-drying of Production Example 1.
51 [0142] A surfactant composition (polyoxyethylene alkyl ether/polyethylene glycol/sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate/water = 42/8/42/8 (weight ratio)) was heated to 80*C. Next, 50 parts by weight of the particles 3 for supporting a surfactant and 50 parts by weight of the particles 4 for 5 supporting a surfactant obtained were supplied into a Ldige mixer (manufactured by Matsuzaka Giken, volume: 130 L, equipped with a jacket), and stirring of the main shaft (agitation blade, rotational speed: 60 rpm, peripheral speed: 1.6 m/s) was started. Here, a hot water at 80*C was allowed to flow through a jacket at a rate of 10 L/min. Thereto were 10 added 50 parts by weight of the above surfactant composition in 2 minutes, and thereafter the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes. Further, 6 parts by weight of an amorphous aluminosilicate were supplied thereinto, and stirring of the main shaft (rotational speed: 120 rpm, peripheral speed: 3.1 m/s) and the chopper(rotational speed: 3600 rpm, peripheral speed: 15 28m/s) was carried out for 1 minutes, and Detergent Particles 2 were discharged. [0143] Detergent Particles 2 obtained had an average particle size of 342 [rm, a bulk density of 807 g/L, a dissolution ratio of 93%, and a free flowability of 6.2 s. 20 [0144] Example 10 Next, Detergent Particles 3 were produced in the same manner as in Example 8 except that 100 parts by weight of the particles 5 for supporting a surfactant were used in place of the particles 3 for supporting a surfactant. Detergent Particles 3 obtained had an average particle size of 25 356 Rm, a bulk density of 768 g/L, and a free flowability of 6.0 s.
52 [0145] Example 11 Next, Detergent Particles 4 were produced in the same manner as in Example 8 except that 100 parts by weight of the particles 6 for supporting a surfactant were used in place of the particles 3 for supporting a surfactant. 5 Detergent Particles 4 obtained had an average particle size of 315 tm, a bulk density of 808 g/L, and a free flowability of 5.9 s. [0146] Comparative Example 1 The amount 1.5 kg of Clay Mineral and 3.5 kg of Light Ash 1 (clay mineral/powder raw material = 3/7) were mixed in an Intensive Mixer 10 (02VAC, manufactured by Eirich; rotational speed of pan: 44 r.p.m.; rotational speed of disintegration blade: 1650 r.p.m., Froude number: 213). After mixing the components for 2 minutes, 1.25 kg of water was added thereto in 1 minute with the one-fluid nozzle. After the addition, the mixture was formed into particles for 3 minutes, and the particles were 15 then discharged from the Intensive Mixer. The particles were dried at 200*C for 3 hours with an electric dryer. The water content after drying was 1.0% by weight. [0147] The resulting particles 9 are particles having an average particle size of 352 [tm, a bulk density of 715 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 20 0.16 ml/g. In addition, the particles had an yield of particles having sizes of from 125 to 1000 [tm of 92%, and a Rosin-Rammler number of 2.0. [0148] Comparative Example 2 One-hundred parts by weight of Light Ash 1 and 42.9 parts by weight of Clay Mineral (clay mineral/powder raw material = 3/7) were 25 mixed in a 10 L High-Speed Mixer (manufactured by Fukae Powtec Co., 53 Ltd.; rotational speed of agitator: 200 r.p.m., a Froude number: 8.94; rotational speed of disintegration blade: 3600 r.p.m., a Froude number: 398), and 45.3 parts by weight of a 35% aqueous solution of sodium polyacrylate were added thereto in 1 minute with the one-fluid nozzle. 5 After the addition, the mixture was formed into particles for 4 minutes, and the particles were then discharged from the granulator. The particles were dried at 200"C for 3 hours with an electric dryer. The water content after drying was 1.0% by weight. [0149] The resulting particles 10 are particles having an average particle 10 size of 362 [tm, a bulk density of 736 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.30 ml/g. In addition, the particles had an yield of particles having sizes of from 125 to 1000 sim of 55%, and a Rosin-Rammler number of 1.5. [0150] Comparative Example 3 Detergent Particles 6 were produced in the same manner as in 15 Example 8 except that 100 parts by weight of the particles 10 for supporting a surfactant produced in Comparative Example 2 were used in place of the particles 3 for supporting a surfactant.. [0151] Detergent Particles 6 obtained had an average particle size of 876 Rm, a bulk density of 830 g/L, and a free flowability of 6.5 s. 20 [0152] Comparative Example 4 Detergent Particles 7 were produced in the same manner as in Example 9 except that 35 parts by weight of Light Ash 1 and 15 parts by weight of Clay Mineral were used in place of 50 parts by weight of the particles 3 for supporting a surfactant. 25 [0153] Detergent Particles 7 obtained had an average particle size of 54 424 [m, a bulk density of 835 g/L, and a free flowability of 6.1 s. [0154] Conditions and the results of the above Examples and the like are shown in the following tables.
55 [0155] [Table 11 00 00 c! irn r- t 0 , tn *ir4 CD t; c a,, C') mOI~ 0 0 o ir 0- .- ) \C c tn N r 00 0 0 0O)c~ m CN~ 0 00 0 M~N C \DC 0 \ oI- Co 'r N C.O 4 to 0 oI4 , ~ M I: tf C M0 CI q 't0 D LIr 0 CJ C -4 cn C4 "It SD co UU 4o N - . 0/) r. 0 0) 0 S. - [0156] 56 [Table 2] 00r o 0 u u C I cq ' cl . 0 C-C C.). 02~ 0 I 0 t: oo m o cn -) 0' i 0 4 U- 04 ~ 4 4 U to > 0. > - Uz U 0 04 I- 57 [0157] It was clarified from the comparison of Example 1 with Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 that by carrying out a low-shearing granulation, preferably a low-shearing granulation in which a Froude number is 1.0 or less, particles having desired bulk densities and 5 oil-absorbing abilities can be obtained. [0158] In addition, it can be seen from Examples 2, 3, 5 and 6 that according to the method of the present invention, particles showing desired physical properties are obtained regardless of the amount of the clay mineral contained, and it was clarified from Examples 8 to 11 that physical 10 properties and qualities are shown to be nearly of the same level as those particles of the corresponding raw materials, even in detergent particles using those particles. [0159] On the other hand, it was clarified from Comparative Example 3 that in a case where the particles produced with a high-shearing mixer, 15 specifically a mixer having a Froude number exceeding 1.0 are used, the detergent particles were poorer than the detergent particles using the particles produced with a low-shearing mixer, from the viewpoint of qualities and productivity. [0160] In addition, from the comparison of Example 9 with Comparative 20 Example 4, the detergent particles containing a raw material that are not formed into particles in place of the particles for supporting a surfactant of the present invention do not show an excellent dissolution ratio, so that they were poorer in quality as compared to those containing the particles for supports of the present invention. It was shown from the results that 25 the formation of particles by low-shearing granulation is important in the 58 qualities of the detergent particles. [NDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0161] According to the present invention, particles for supporting a surfactant 5 having excellent supporting capacity/ supporting ability/absorbing rate of a liquid surfactant composition can be obtained by a method without employing spray-drying. [0162] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group 10 of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [0163] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or 15 information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.