AU2010320063A1

AU2010320063A1 - Method for producing surfactant-supporting granule cluster

Info

Publication number: AU2010320063A1
Application number: AU2010320063A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Yoshinobu Imaizumi; Takashi Kamei; Kenichiro Kawamoto; Takashi Nakayama; Hiroaki Warita; Masahiro Yamaguchi
Original assignee: Kao Corp
Current assignee: Kao Corp
Priority date: 2009-11-18
Filing date: 2010-11-18
Publication date: 2012-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2030-11-18
Also published as: JP2011127105A; JP5713644B2; CN102666827A; BR112012011979A2; WO2011062235A1; CN102666827B; AU2010320063B2

Abstract

Provided is a method for producing a surfactant-supporting granule cluster exhibiting excellent capacity, strength, and speed for supporting a liquid surfactant composition without involving a drying step. The effect of said method is being able to produce a surfactant-supporting granule cluster exhibiting excellent capacity, strength, and speed for supporting a liquid surfactant composition without involving a drying step. As a result, a production method which is more economically advantageous, and which reduces equipment load can be provided. Moreover, the granule cluster obtained from said method has a sharp particle size distribution, and little coarse granules and fine granules. Further, detergent granules exerting excellent cleaning performance and quality can be efficiently obtained by supporting a liquid surfactant composition on the surfactant-supporting granule cluster.

Description

1 DESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION: METHOD FOR PRODUCING 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 detergent particles in which the particles for supporting a 10 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. The particles for supporting a surfactant used in the method 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 exhibiting detergency performance, and the 25 supporting ability is important from the viewpoint of suppressing bleed-out 2 of the liquid 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. 5 [0003] Further, the particles for supporting a surfactant are desired to have a property of quickly absorbing a liquid surfactant (supporting 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 10 Publication 1 discloses particles for supporting a surfactant obtained by 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. 15 [0005] On the other hand, for example, Patent Publication 2 discloses a method of drying a composition containing a hydrated inorganic salt and a polymeric organic binder. However, this method is a technique essentially for increasing absorbing ability (corresponding to supporting capacity in the present invention) by drying the composition to thereby release 20 hydration water, by which the adjustments of supporting ability and supporting rate are very difficult. In addition, the drying step is essential, so that there is a problem of increasing the loads on the facilities. [0006] For this reason, the method in which a drying step is not necessitated, for producing particles for supporting a surfactant that are 25 excellent in all of the supporting capacity/supporting ability/supporting 3 rate, is in demand. PRIOR ART REFERENCES PATENT PUBLICATIONS 5 [0007] Patent Publication 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-244644 Patent Publication 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-541267 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 10 MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS [0008] Specifically, the gist of the present invention relates to a method for producing particles for supporting a surfactant having a bulk density of 800 g/L or less, including the step of stirring - a powder raw material containing an inorganic alkali, the powder raw 15 material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g or more, and - a binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature or a precursor binder thereof with a vessel rotary mixer, wherein the binder or a precursor binder thereof is fed at a temperature of equal to or higher than a melting point thereof with a multi-fluid nozzle. 20 [0009] The present invention relates to a method for producing particles for supporting a surfactant that are excellent in supporting capacity/supporting ability/supporting rate of a liquid surfactant composition without carrying out a drying procedure. In addition, the present relates to the provision of detergent particles in which the particles for supporting a surfactant are 25 used, and a detergent composition containing the detergent particles.

4 [0010] According to the present invention, the effects that particles for supporting a surfactant have excellent supporting capacity/supporting ability/supporting rate of a liquid surfactant composition can be produced without carrying out a drying procedure are exhibited. Consequently, an 5 effect that a method which is even more excellent in economic advantages and loads to the facilities can be provided is exhibited. Moreover, an effect that the particles obtained have a sharp particle size distribution so that coarse powders and fine powders are found in smaller amounts is also exhibited. Further, the effects that detergent particles having excellent 10 detergent performance, quality or the like can be efficiently obtained by supporting a liquid surfactant composition on the particles for supporting a surfactant are exhibited. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 15 [0011] One of the features of the present invention is in that the particles for supporting a surfactant having a bulk density of 800 g/L or less are obtained by a method including the step of stirring - a powder raw material containing an inorganic alkali, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g or more, and 20 - a binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature or a precursor binder thereof with a vessel rotary mixer, wherein the binder or a precursor binder thereof is fed at a temperature of equal to or higher than a melting point thereof with a multi-fluid nozzle. [0012] In general, in the formation of particles (granulation) using a 25 vessel rotary mixer, it is possible to make the powder homogenously 5 free-flowable, and further a shearing force applied to the powder is suppressed owing to a mixing mechanism involving lifting up of the particles by rotations and sliding and cascading by the deadweight. Therefore, the granulation method using the mixer can be said to be a 5 non-densified granulation method. In addition, when the granulation is carried out using the above mixer, the granulation does not progress unless a binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature or a precursor binder thereof to be supplied has strong adhesive property upon contact with the powder, so that the adhesive property must be exhibited upon 10 the contact with the powder. If the binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature or a precursor binder thereof as described above is supplied to a vessel rotary mixer with a general supplying means, a one-fluid nozzle or a pipe, it can be found that the liquid components supplied are less likely to be dispersed homogeneously in the mixer, so that coarse 15 particles are likely to be formed due to large liquid lumps that are locally generated. [0013] In view of the above, when the binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature or a precursor binder thereof which exhibits adhesive property upon the contact with the powder is supplied to a vessel rotary mixer by 20 spraying the binder or a precursor binder thereof with a multi-fluid nozzle such as a two-fluid nozzle, surprisingly, it is found that the mixture can be homogeneously formed into particles while suppressing the formation of coarse particles. This is presumably due to the fact that the binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature or a precursor binder thereof is 25 previously formed into fine liquid droplets with a multi-fluid nozzle, so 6 that high dispersibility of the binder or a precursor binder thereof can be accomplished even in a vessel rotary mixer, and whereby large liquid lumps forming coarse particles are not generated. Therefore, one of the features of the present invention is also in that the binder in a solid form at 5 an ambient temperature or a precursor binder thereof which exhibits adhesive property upon the contact with the powder is added to a vessel rotary mixer with a multi-fluid nozzle. [0014] As described above, in the present invention, since a combination of a vessel rotary mixer and a multi-fluid nozzle is used, an effect which 10 cannot be expected from cases where each of them is used alone that detergent particles having a sharp particle size distribution, containing smaller amounts of coarse powders and fine powders, and being excellent in supporting capacity/supporting ability/supporting rate of a liquid surfactant composition can be produced in an excellent yield is exhibited 15 without carrying out a drying procedure. [0015] An embodiment as one example of the method of the present invention will be explained more specifically hereinbelow. [0016] In the present invention, a particle for supporting a surfactant refers to a particle containing a powder raw material having an oil-absorbing 20 ability of 0.4 mL/g or more, and a binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature. A particle for supporting a surfactant is preferably a particle obtained by stirring a powder raw material containing an inorganic alkali, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g or more, and a binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature with a vessel 25 rotary mixer to form into particles, and the particle is used for supporting a 7 liquid surfactant composition. A collective member of the particle is referred to as particles for supporting a surfactant. A detergent particle refers to a particle containing a surfactant, a builder derived from the particles for supports, or the like, in which the particle for supporting a 5 surfactant supports a liquid surfactant composition, and detergent particles refer to a collective member of detergent particles. A detergent composition means a composition that contains detergent particles and. separately added detergent components other than the detergent particles as desired (for example, a builder granule, a fluorescer, an enzyme, a 10 perfume, a defoaming agent, a bleaching agent, a bleaching activator, or the like). [0017] 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. 15 [0018] < Components of Particles for Supporting Surfactant > 1. 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 containing an inorganic alkali, the powder raw material 20 having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g or more. The powder raw, material may be a single kind of a powder raw material, or a mixed powder of two or more kinds, so long as the powder raw material has an 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 25 Qualities described later. The powder raw material having an oil- 8 absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g or more includes, for example, substantially a porous substance having fine micropores having sizes of 10 [tm 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 5 not particularly limited, and it is desired that the upper limit is, for example, 1.0 mL/g or less. The content of the inorganic alkalizing agent in the powder raw material is not particularly limited, and the inorganic alkalizing agent is contained in an amount of preferably from 10 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 20 to 100% by weight, and even more 10 preferably from 30 to 100% by weight. [0019] The powder raw material has an average particle size of preferably from 50 to 250 4m, more preferably from 50 to 200 tm, and even more preferably from 80 to 200 rim, from the viewpoint of formation of particles. [0020] In addition, it is preferable that the powder raw material is a water 15 soluble substance, from the viewpoint of dissolubility. Examples of the powder raw material include light ash or soda ash, prepared by baking sodium bicarbonate, a porous powder prepared by drying a hydrate of sodium sulfate or sodium tripolyphosphate, and the like. Light ash is, especially preferred, from the viewpoint of easiness in handling and easy 20 availability. [0021] In the present specification, 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 insolubility (or being water-insoluble) means that solubility to water at 25*C is less than 0.5 g/100 g. 25 [0022] When light ash is used as a powder raw material, a surfactant- 9 supporting ability can be even more improved by adjusting a temperature upon baking the sodium bicarbonate. The baking temperature is preferably from 120' to 250'C, more preferably from 150* to 220"C, and even more preferably from 150* to 200*C, from the viewpoint of 5 supporting ability. [00231 The powder raw material is contained in an amount of preferably 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, 10 from the viewpoint of supporting ability. [0024] 2. Binder In the present invention, the powder raw material and the binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature or a precursor binder thereof as mentioned above are stirred with a vessel rotary mixer, thereby forming 15 the powder raw material into particles. The phrase "in a solid form at an ambient temperature" refers to those that are a solid at an ambient temperature, or those having a viscosity of 2,000 mPa-s or more at an ambient temperature. Also, the precursor binder refers to a binder which becomes into a solid form at an ambient temperature by a reaction with the 20 powder raw material. The ambient temperature as used herein is at 20"C. [0025] The water content in the binder or a precursor binder thereof is preferably 40% or less, more preferably 20% or less, even more preferably 15% or less, still even more preferably 10% or less, and especially preferably 5% or less, from the viewpoint of productivity and supporting 25 ability. The smaller the water taken in by a binder, the more preferred, 10 because the particles for supporting a surfactant having a high supporting ability can be obtained without going through a drying step. [0026] The binder is not particularly limited, so long as the binder has an ability of binding the components constituting the particle in the powder 5 raw material containing an inorganic alkali with each other, and has the property of dissolving and/or dispersing in water quickly. The binder includes, for example, polyalkylene glycols having a melting point of 30*C or higher, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having a melting point of 30*C or higher, and derivatives thereof. The precursor binder includes, for 10 example, higher fatty acids, alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, alkylsulfuric esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfuric esters, and the like. [0027] The binder or a precursor binder thereof is contained in the particles for supporting a surfactant in an amount of preferably from 5 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 35% by weight, even more preferably 15 from 8 to 30% by weight, and especially preferably from 10 to 30% by weight, of the particles for supporting a surfactant, from the viewpoint of bonding property and supporting ability. In addition, the binder at an ambient temperature has a viscosity of preferably 2,000 mPa-s or more, more preferably 5,000 mPa-s or more, 20 even more preferably 10,000 mPa-s or more, and especially preferably 15,000 mPa-s. [0028] 3. Water (Content) The particles for supporting a surfactant in the present inventio may contain water in a proper amount that is used in the production steps. 25 The smaller the water content obtained by a measurement of the particles 11 for supporting a surfactant with an infrared moisture meter, the more preferred, from the viewpoint of increasing supporting capacity of a liquid surfactant composition of the particles. The water content is preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, even more 5 preferably 5% by weight or less, and still even more preferably 3% by weight or less. [0029] 4. Other Components Here, the particles for supporting a surfactant in the present invention can be properly blended even with a substance other than the 1 10 to 3 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 or less, from the viewpoint of supporting ability. Examples of substances that can be blended are given hereinbelow. 15 [0030] - 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 agent is not particularly limited, so long as the chelating agent is a substance that holds a metal ion sequestering ability, and a crystalline 20 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 preferably particles that have an average particle size of from 0.1 to 20 tm, from the viewpoint of dispersibility in water. The preferred water 25 insoluble chelating agent includes crystalline aluminosilicates, including, 12 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 sequestering ability and economic advantages. [0031] Among the above-mentioned substances, when a crystalline 5 aluminosilicate is used, the crystalline aluminosilicate is contained in an amount of preferably 0.1% by weight or more, more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, and even more preferably 1% by weight or more, of the detergent particles, from the viewpoint of improvement in free flowability, suppression in bleed-out property and caking, and improvement in 10 detergency, and the crystalline aluminosilicate is contained in an amount of preferably 20% by weight or less, more preferably 15% by weight or less, even more preferably 10% by weight or less, and still even more preferably 5% by weight or less, of the detergent particles, from the viewpoint of rinsability and dissolubility. 15 [0032] - 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. The water-soluble inorganic salt is not particularly limited, so long as the inorganic salt is a 20 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. Among them, it is preferable that sodium sulfate, sodium sulfite, or potassium sulfate, each having a high degree of 25 ionic dissociation is used. Also, its combined use with magnesium sulfate 13 is preferred, from the viewpoint of increasing the dissolution rate. [0033] - Water-Soluble Polymer It is also preferable that a water-soluble polymer having effects such as metal ion sequestering ability and dispersibility of soil stains is blended. 5 The water-soluble polymer includes, for example, carboxylate polymers, carboxymethyl cellulose, soluble starches, saccharides, and the like. Among them, carboxylate polymers having a mass-average molecular weight of from several thousands to 100,000 are preferred, and especially salts of acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymers and polyacrylates are 10 preferred, from the viewpoint of metal ion sequestering ability, dispersibility of solid stains and particle stains, and re-deposition preventing ability. [0034] - Clay Mineral The clay mineral has a layered structure, and is capable of 15 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. [0035] The clay mineral as mentioned above includes, for example, talc, pyrophyllites, smectites such as saponite, hectorite, sauconite, stevensite, 20 montmorillonite, beidellite and nontronite, vermiculites, micas such as phlogopite, biotite, zinnwaldite, muscovite, paragonite, celadonite and glauconite, swellable micas, chlorites such as clinochlore, chamosite, nimite, pennantite, sudoite and donbassite, brittle micas such as clintonite and margarite, thulite, serpentine minerals such as antigorite, lizardite, 25 chrysotile, amesite, cronstedtite, berthierine, greenalite and garnierite, 14 kaolin minerals such as kaolinite, dickite, nacrite and halloysite, and the like. Among them, talc, 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 5 the montmorillonite is even more preferable. These clay minerals can be used alone or properly in a combination of two or more kinds. [0036] In addition, it is preferable that the clay mineral contains as a main component a clay mineral represented by the following general formula (I): 10 [Si 8 (Mga 1 Alb)O 20

(OH)

4 ]x--Mex+ (I) wherein each of a, b and x satisfies 0 < a s 6, 0 < b s 4, x = 12-2a-3b, and Me is at least one ion selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Li, Cal/2, Mg1/2 and NH 4 , from the viewpoint of surfactant supporting ability. 15 [0037] Examples of the clay mineral represented by the above-mentioned general formula (I) include "Laundrosil DGA212," "Laundrosil PR414," "Laundrosil 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; 20 Pure Bentonite, Standard Bentonite, and Premium Bentonite, manufactured by CSM; and the like. Among those given as the examples of the clay mineral listed 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 25 invention would not be impaired.

15 [0038] 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, from the viewpoint of formation of particles, and in a case of a granular product, it is preferable that the granular product is disintegrated 5 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 such as flash mills; and the like. These pulverizers may be carried out in a single-step operation, or multi-step operations with the same or different 10 pulverizers. [0039] The clay mineral powder has an average particle size of preferably 100 [tm or less, more preferably 50 tm or less, and even more preferably 30 pm or less. [0040] In addition, in the clay mineral represented by the general formula 15 (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 viewpoint of supporting ability and dissolubility. 20 [0041] 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 product can be optionally prepared in any manner by a known method. 25 [0042] - Water-Insoluble Excipient 16 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 5 amorphous aluminosilicates, silicon dioxide, hydrated silicic acid compounds, and the like. It is preferable that the water-insoluble excipient has an average primary particle size of from 0.1 to 20 tm, from the viewpoint of dispersibility in water. [0043] - Other Auxiliary Components 10 Other auxiliary components include fluorescers, pigments, dyes, and the like. [0044] Here, the average particle size of the above-mentioned components can be measured in accordance with the methods described in the Measurement Methods of Physical Properties described later. 15 [0045] < Method for Producing Particles for Supporting Surfactant > The method for producing particles for supporting a surfactant of the present invention includes the step of stirring - a powder raw material containing an inorganic alkali, the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g or more, and 20 - a binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature or a precursor binder thereof with a vessel rotary mixer, wherein the binder or a precursor binder thereof is fed at a temperature of equal to or higher than a melting point thereof with a multi-fluid nozzle. According to the above method, the particles for supporting a surfactant 25 having a bulk density of 800 g/L or less can be obtained. Since the water 17 content of the particles obtained by the above method is small, one of the feature of the present invention is also in that the particles can be directly used as raw materials for detergent particles, without carrying out a drying procedure such as spray drying. 5 [0046] When plural kinds of powder raw materials each having an oil absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g or more are used, it is preferable that, prior to stirring with a vessel rotary mixer, those powder raw materials are substantially homogeneously mixed. The mixing method at this time may be, for example, mixing the components with a vessel rotary mixer used in 10 stirring, or previously mixing with a different mixer and then transferring the components to a vessel rotary mixer. The different mixer used in mixing the powder raw materials include, for example, rotary drum mixers, pan mixers, ribbon mixers, Nauta mixers, Shugi mixers, L6dige mixers, High-Speed Mixers, and the like. The binder as used herein refers to both 15 a binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature, or a precursor binder thereof, unless specified otherwise. [0047] By stirring each of the components with a vessel rotary mixer, particles containing each of the components are formed. [0048] As the vessel rotary mixer used herein, a pan mixer and a rotary 20 drum mixer, in which the formation of particles progresses with the rotation of the body of the mixer, are preferred, from the viewpoint of easiness in formation of particles and improvement in supporting ability. These apparatuses can be used in both methods of a batch process and continuous process. Here, it is preferable that the low-shearing mixei is 25 provided with baffles for assisting mixing in the pan or the rotary drum, 18 from the viewpoint of powder miscibility and liquid-solid miscibility. [0049] As the operating conditions for a vessel rotary mixer, for example, the mixer 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 5 preferably 0.6 or less, and especially more preferably 0.4 or less. [0050] Froude number: Fr = V2/(R x g) wherein V: peripheral speed [m/s], R: a radius [m] from the center of rotation to the circumference of the rotated object, and 10 g: a gravitational acceleration rate [m/s 2 ]. [0051] In addition, the mixer is set to have a Froude number of preferably 0.005 or more, and more preferably 0.01 or more, from the viewpoint of homogeneously adding water or an aqueous binder solution to a mixed powder. 15 [0052] Here, it is supposed that in a pan mixer or a rotary drum mixer, the values of the body of the mixer are used for V and R. [0053] When the stirring is carried out with a vessel rotary mixer, the formation of particles is carried out under a relatively low shearing force, so that the structure of the particles obtained is more likely to be a 20 structure in which the particles are loosely aggregated. The particles having the above structure have a high oil-absorbing ability, so that they have preferred properties as the particles for supporting a surfactant. However, when a vessel rotary mixer is used, there arises a problem such that a binder which is a liquid is less likely to be homogeneously dispersed 25 in the mixer. In view of the above, for example, a means of 19 homogeneously dispersing a binder is considered by studying a method for feeding a binder. For example, as a method for homogeneously dispersing a binder, a method of achieving formation of fine droplets of a binder with a multi-fluid nozzle such as a two-fluid nozzle is considered. However, 5 one of ordinary skill in the art would not be likely to come up with the technical idea of the use of a multi-fluid nozzle for forming a binder having a high viscosity into fine droplets. [0054] The multi-fluid nozzle refers to a nozzle that allows to flow a liquid component and a gas for forming fine droplets, such as the air or nitrogen, 10 in independent pathways, to communicate to a portion in the vicinity of a tip end portion of the nozzle, and mixing and forming fine droplets. 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 section of the liquid component and the gas for forming fine droplets may be any one of an 15 internal mixing type 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. For example, when a binder having a high viscosity is sprayed, the external mixing type is preferred, from the viewpoint of prevention of nozzle clogging. 20 [0055] It is preferable to add a binder by forming fine droplets with a multi fluid nozzle, and especially a two-fluid nozzle or the like. The multi-fluid nozzle mentioned above includes, for example, internal mixing type to fluid nozzles manufactured by Spraying Systems Japan K.K., Kyoritsu Gokin Co., Ltd., H. IKEUCHI Co., Ltd., and the like; external mixing type 25 two-fluid nozzles manufactured by Spraying Systems Japan K.K., 20 Kyoritsu Gokin Co., Ltd., Atomax Co., Ltd., and the like; external mixing four-fluid nozzles manufactured by fujisaki electric co., ltd., and the like. [0056] The liquid droplets of the binder fed with a multi-fluid nozzle have an average particle size adjusted to preferably from 1 to 200 tm, more 5 preferably from 3 to 150 [im, and even more preferably from 10 to 60 [tm, from the viewpoint of improvement in yields of the particles obtained, and reduction in the amount of coarse particles. [0057] Here, the average particle size of the liquid droplet size of the binder is a value calculated on a volume basis, which is a value measured, for 10 example, with a laser diffraction particle size analyzer: Spraytec (manufactured by Malvern Instruments, Ltd.). [0058] For example, in a case where a two-fluid nozzle is used, it is preferable to feed the binder under the following conditions. The air spraying pressure of forming fine droplets is preferably 0.1 MPa or more, 15 from the viewpoint of liquid dispersibility, and the air spraying pressure is preferably 1.0 MPa or less, from the viewpoint of loads on the facilities. In addition, the spraying pressure for the binder is not particularly limited, and the spraying pressure is, for example, preferably 1.0 MPa or less, -from the viewpoint of loads on the facilities. Also, the nozzle pore size can be 20 properly selected depending upon the desired flow rate of a binder, and the nozzle pore size is, for example, preferably 0.5 mm or more, from the viewpoint of prevention of clogging. [0059] In addition, if the feeding rate of the binder is to be increased, it is also effective to use plural multi-fluid nozzles, thereby increasing a 25 feeding rate while maintaining the formation of fine liquid droplets.

21 [0060] The binder or a precursor binder thereof to be fed is heated to a temperature of equal to or higher than a melting point thereof. The temperature of the binder or a precursor binder thereof upon feeding from a multi-fluid nozzle is, for example, preferably from 300 to 100*C, more 5 preferably from 400 to 90'C, and even more preferably from 500 to 80*C. In addition, the viscosity of the binder or a precursor binder upon feeding from a multi-fluid nozzle is not particularly limited, and the viscosity is, for example, preferably 2,000 mPa-s or less, more preferably 1,500 mPa-s or less, and even more preferably 1,000 mPa-s or less. 10 [0061] The amount of the binder or a precursor binder thereof to be fed can be appropriately set within the range that the particles for supporting a surfactant having given properties can be produced. For example, the binder or a precursor binder thereof is preferably fed in an amount of from 5.3 to 100 parts by weight, more preferably from 5.6 to 77.8 parts by 15 weight, even more preferably from 9.4 to 60 parts by weight, and especially preferably from 12.5 to 60 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g or more. [0062] By using the method as described above, homogeneous dispersion is 20 made possible even in a binder or a precursor binder having a high viscosity, so that the particles for supporting a surfactant having an improved yield and a sharp particle size distribution are obtained. [0063] Although the water content of the particles obtained by the method of the present invention is small, in the present invention, the step of ' 25 drying the particles may be further included as occasion demands. Since 22 the water contained is small, even when a drying step is introduced, the loads of the facilities are small. By removing water, the voids within a' particle are increased, thereby making it possible to further improve supporting capacity. As the drying method or drying conditions, those 5 methods and conditions that are conventionally known can be appropriately employed. [0064] < Physical Properties of Particles for Supporting Surfactant > It is deduced that the particles for supporting a surfactant in the present invention have a structure in which a powder raw material having 10 an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g or more is loosely aggregated with a binder in a solid form at an ambient temperature or a precursor binder, thereof. For this reason, the particles have two supporting sites: (1) large voids between the powder raw materials, and (2) small voids within the powder raw material (for example, voids having sizes of 10 [tm or less). 15 Among them, both (1) and (2) greatly influence supporting capacity and supporting ability, and (1) greatly influences supporting rate. By adjusting the two supporting sites, particles for supporting a surfactant having a desired supporting ability can be obtained. [0065] The particles for supporting a surfactant of the present invention 20 have a bulk density of 800 g/L or less, preferably 650 g/L or less, more preferably from 400 to 650 g/L, and even more preferably from 400 to 600 g/L, from the viewpoint of keeping supporting capacity of a liquid surfactant composition, and from the viewpoint of keeping a high bulk density after the liquid surfactant composition is supported. It is 25 considered that a relatively low bulk density of the particles for supports of 23 the present invention is accomplished by formation of particles with a vessel rotary mixer mentioned above. [0066] In addition, the particles for supporting a surfactant have an average particle size of preferably from 140 to 600 tm, more preferably from 160 5 to 500 tm, and even more preferably from 180 to 400 [tm, from the viewpoint of powder dust property and dissolubility upon the use of a detergent composition containing detergent particles containing the particles for supports and a liquid surfactant composition supported thereto. [0067] The particles for supporting a surfactant has an oil-absorbing ability 10 of the liquid surfactant composition of preferably 0.35 mL/g or more, more preferably 0.4 mL/g or more, even more preferably 0.45 mL/g or more, and still even more preferably 0.5 mL/g or 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 15 ability of the particles for supports of the present invention is accomplished by formation of particles with a vessel rotary mixer mentioned above. [0068] The water content of the particles for supporting a surfactant as measured with an infrared moisture meter is preferably smaller, from the 20 viewpoint of increasing supporting capacity of the liquid surfactant composition on the particles, and the water is contained in an amount' of preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, even more preferably 5% by weight or less, and even more preferably 3% by weight or less. 25 [0069] One example of specific components of the particles for supporting 24 a surfactant produced in the present invention includes, for example, the particles having a bulk density of 800 g/L or less, the particles having components of 40 to 95% by weight of a powder raw material having an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g or more, 5 to 40% by weight of a binder, 5 and 0 to 15% by weight of water. [0070] Here, the bulk density, the average particle size, the oil-absorbing ability of a liquid surfactant composition, and the water content mentioned above can be measured in accordance with the methods described in the Measurement Methods of Physical Properties described later. 10 [0071] < Components and Physical Properties of Detergent Particles >. The detergent particles of the present invention refer to particles for supporting a surfactant in which a surfactant is used as a binder, or detergent particles containing the particles for supporting a surfactant according to the present invention, and further containing a surfactant 15 composition and a water-soluble polymer or the like supported thereto. [0072] 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. The anionic surfactants are exemplified by alkylbenzenesulfonates; alkyl 20 sulfates, 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. Linear alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkyl sulfates or alkyl ether sulfates are preferred. The counterion is preferably an alkali 25 metal such as sodium or potassium, or an amine such as 25 monoethanolamine or diethanolamine. [0073] Further, in order to obtain defoaming effects, a fatty acid salt can be used together therewith. [0074] When the surfactant composition and the particles for supporting a 5 surfactant are mixed, a powder raw material other than the above mentioned powder detergent raw material may be added as desired, and the surfactant composition is added in an amount of 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 10 silicates such as PREFEED (manufactured by Tokuyama Siltex), and the like. [0075] The preferred physical properties of the detergent particles according to the present invention are as follows. The bulk density is preferably from 500 to 1000 g/L, more 15 preferably from 600 to 1,000 g/L, and even more preferably from 650'to 900g/L. The average particle size is preferably from 150 to 500 [tm, and more preferably from 180 to 400 [tm. [0076] Here, the bulk density and the average particle size mentioned above can be measured in accordance with the Measurement Methods of Physical 20 Properties described later. [0077] < Method for Producing Detergent Particles > A preferred method for obtaining detergent particles includes the following step (I), and may further include step (II) as occasion demands. Step (I): mixing a surfactant composition with the particles for 25 supporting a surfactant, under condition that the surfactant composition is 26 in a liquid state or a paste-like state. Step (II): mixing the detergent particles 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 the step (II) 5 proceeds concurrently with the disintegration. [0078] < Detergent Composition > The detergent composition in the present invention is a composition containing the detergent particles described above, the composition further containing separately added detergent components other than the detergent 10 particles (for instance, builder particles, fluorescent dyes, enzymes, perfumes, defoaming agents, bleaching agents, bleaching activators, and the like). [0079] 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 even more preferably 80% by weight or more and 100% by weight or less, of the detergent composition, from the viewpoint of detergency. [0080] 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 even more preferably 20% by weight or less, of the detergent composition. [0081] < Method for Producing Detergent Composition > The method for producing a detergent composition is not 25 particularly limited, and the method includes, for example. a method of 27 mixing 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 detergents, including, for example, laundry powder detergents, detergents for automatic dishwashers, and the like. [0082] < Measurement Methods of Physical Properties > 10 1. Bulk Density Bulk density is measured in accordance with a method prescribed in JIS K 3362. [0083] 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 Z 8801 (sieve openings from 2,000 to 125 rim),' 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 jim, 180 jim, 250 jim, 355 Rm, 500 [tm, 710 jim, 1,000 jim, 1,410 [im, and 2,000 jim 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 25 from above the uppermost sieve having a size of 2,000 jim, and a lid is 28 placed 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 5 and the receiving 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 [0084] Here, as to those products having an average particle size of 125 jim or less, similar measurements are carried out using 12-step sieves having sieve openings of 45 jim, 63 jim, 90 [tm, 125 jim, 180 jim, 250 jim, 355 jim, 500 jim, 710 jim, 1,000 jim, 1,410 [tm, and 2,000 jm, and a receiving tray, or as to those products having an average particle size of 15 2,000 [tm or more, similar measurements are carried out using 12-step sieves having sieve openings of 125 [tm, 180 jim, 250 [tm, 355 jim, 500 sim, 710 jim, 1,000 jim, 1,410 jim, 2,000 sm, 2,800 jim, 4,000 jim, and 5,600 jim, and a receiving tray. An average particle size thereof is calculated. 20 [0085] (2) As to those having an average particle size of less than 80 [tm, 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. 25 [0086] 3. Water Content 29 Water content of the particles 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 200'C with an infrared moisture meter (FD-240, manufactured by Kett 5 Kagaku Kenkyujo K.K.). A time point at which there is no 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. [0087] 4. Free Flowability 10 A free flow time is defined as a time period required for free flowing 100 mL of powder from a hopper used in a measurement of bulk density as prescribed in JIS K 3362. The free flow time is preferably 10 seconds or less, more preferably 8 seconds or less, and even more preferably 7 seconds or less. 15 [0088] < Evaluation Methods for Qualities > 1. Oil-Absorbing Ability A 30 to 35 g powder is supplied into an absorption amount measurement apparatus (S410, manufactured by ASAHISOUKEN, and driving blades are rotated at 200 r. p. m. To this powder a liquid nonionic 20 surfactant ("EMULGEN 108," manufactured by Kao Corporation) is added dropwise at a liquid feeding rate of 4 mL/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 an amount of the powder supplied, and the resultant value is defined as 25 an oil-absorbing ability.

30 [0089] 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 1,410 um are fitted, to calculate Rosin-Rammler number (R-R number), and used. In the 5 calculation for the Rosin-Rammler number, the following formula is used. [0090] log (log (100/R (Dp)))= nlog (Dp) + log(p) R (Dp): a cumulative percentage [%] of powder having particle sizes of Dp or more; Dp: a particle size [rim]; 10 n: a Rosin-Rammler number; and P: a particle size distribution coefficient. [0091] More specifically, the weights of the particles remaining on each of the sieves and the receiving tray are measured in accordance with a method similar to that of the measurement of the above average particle 15 size to calculate the weight proportions of the particles (cumulative proportion R(Dp) [km]) on each sieve (opening Dp [ tm]). Moreover a slope n of a least square approximation linear line when plotting log(log(100/R(Dp))) against each of logDp is defined as the Rosin Rammler number. 20 [0092] The larger the Rosin-Rammler number n, the sharper the particle size distribution. n is preferably 1.5 or more, and more preferably 2.0 or more, from the viewpoint of aesthetic appreciation of the particles. [0093] 3. Yield of Particles The yield of the particles in the present invention is expressed by a 25 proportion of the particles having sizes of 1,180 gm-sieve pass or less in 31 the entire particles. [0094] 4. Yield of Detergent The yield of the detergent in the present invention is expressed by a proportion of the particles having sizes of 1,180 [tm or less of the 5 detergent composition obtained by mixing the above-mentioned detergent particles and separately added detergent components. EXAMPLES [0095] The following examples further describe and demonstrate 10 embodiments of the present invention. The examples are given solely for the purposes of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention. In the present Examples, the following raw materials were used, unless specified otherwise. Light Ash: Average particle size: 100 tm (manufactured by 15 Central Glass Co., Ltd., oil-absorbing ability 0.45 mL/g) Dense Ash: Average particle size: 300 ptm (manufactured by Central Glass Co., Ltd., oil-absorbing ability 0.13 mL/g) Linear alkylbenzenesulfonic Acid: water content: 0.5% ("NEOPELEX GS," manufactured by Kao Corporation) 20 Fatty acid: water content: 0%, melting point 40'C (palmitic acid, manufactured by Kao Corporation) High-melting point polyoxyethylene alkyl ether: water content: 3%, melting point 36'C ("EMULGEN 121," manufactured by Kao Corporation) 25 Low-melting point polyoxyethylene alkyl ether: water content: 0%, 32 melting point 6*C ("EMULGEN 106," manufactured by Kao Corporation) Polyethylene glycol: water content 40%, molecular weight: 13,000, viscosity (at 20*C): 4600 mPa-s [0096] Example 1 5 One hundred parts by weight (5.4 kg) of Light Ash was stirred in a 75-L rotary drum mixer (* 40 cm x L 60 cm; rotational speed: 30 r. p. m.; a Froude number: 0.2) having baffles. After stirring the components for 30 seconds, 28.4 parts by weight of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid at 60*C (200 mPa-s) was added thereto in 7 minutes, with a two-fluid nozzle (a 10 product manufactured by Atomax Co., Ltd. under the model number of BN90; a spraying pressure for a binder: 0.02 MPa; air spraying pressure for forming fine droplets: 0.3 MPa). After the addition, the formation of particles was carried out for 2 minutes, and the particles were discharged from a rotary drum mixer. 15 [0097] The resulting Particles 1 had an average particle size of 261 rim, a bulk density of 498 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.48 mL/g. Also, the particles had an yield of particles of 99.5% and a Rosin-Rammler number of 2.1. Here, the droplet size (average particle size) of the spraying liquid of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid was measured under 20 the spraying conditions, and as a result, the average particle size was found to be 35 tm. [0098] Example 2 One hundred parts by weight (5.1 kg) of Light Ash was stirred in a 75-L rotary drum mixer ($ 40 cm x L 60 cm; rotational speed: 30 r. p. m.; 25 a Froude number: 0.2) having baffles. After stirring the components for 30 33 seconds, 35.4 parts by weight of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid at 60'C (200 mPa-s) was added thereto in 7 minutes, with a two-fluid nozzle (a product manufactured by Atomax Co., Ltd. under the model number of BN90; a spraying pressure for a binder: 0.02 MPa; air spraying pressure 5 for forming fine droplets: 0.3 MPa). After the addition, the formation of particles was carried out for 2 minutes, and the particles were discharged from a rotary drum mixer. [0099] The resulting Particles 2 had an average particle size of 300 jtm, a bulk density of 542 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.43 mL/g. Also, 10 the particles had an yield of particles of 99.9% and a Rosin-Rammler number of 2.3. Here, the droplet size (average particle size) of the spraying liquid of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid was measured under the spraying conditions, and as a result, the average particle size was found to be 35 ptm. 15 [0100] Example 3 One hundred parts by weight (5.5 kg) of Light Ash was stirred in a 75-L rotary drum mixer ($ 40 cm x L 60 cm; rotational speed: 30 r. p. m.; a Froude number: 0.2) having baffles. After stirring the components for 30 seconds, 28.2 parts by weight of a fatty acid at 70"C (10 mPa-s) was added 20 thereto in 8.5 minutes, with a two-fluid nozzle (a product manufactured by Atomax Co., Ltd. under the model number of BN90; a spraying pressure for a binder: 0.01 MPa; air spraying pressure for forming fine droplets: 0.3 MPa). After the addition, the formation of particles was carried out for 2 minutes, and the particles were discharged from a rotary drum mixer. 25 [0101] The resulting Particles 3 had an average particle size of 190 ptm, a 34 bulk density of 556 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.4 mL/g. Also, the particles had an yield of particles of 96.4% and a Rosin-Rammler number of 1.5. [0102] Example 4 5 One hundred parts by weight (5.5 kg) of Light Ash was stirred in a 75-L rotary drum mixer ($ 40 cm x L 60 cm; rotational speed: 30 r. p. m.; a Froude number: 0.2) having baffles. After stirring the components for 30 seconds, 35.1 parts by weight of a high-melting point polyoxyethylene alkyl ether at 70'C (40 mPa-s) was added thereto in 9 minutes, with a two 10 fluid nozzle (a product manufactured by Atomax Co., Ltd. under the model number of BN90; a spraying pressure for a binder: 0.02 MPa; air spraying pressure for forming fine droplets: 0.3 MPa). After the addition, the formation of particles was carried out for 2 minutes, and the particles were discharged from a rotary drum mixer. 15 [0103] The resulting Particles 4 had an average particle size of 186 tm', a bulk density of 613 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.36 mL/g. Also, the particles had an yield of particles of 99.9% and a Rosin-Rammler number of 2.2. [0104] Example 5 20 One hundred parts by weight (4.9 kg) of Light Ash was stirred in a 75-L rotary drum mixer (<p 40 cm x L 60 cm; rotational speed: 30 r. p. m.; a Froude number: 0.2) having baffles. After stirring the components for 30 seconds, 42.9 parts by weight of a polyethylene glycol at 60*C was added thereto in 10 minutes, with a two-fluid nozzle (a product manufactured by 25 Atomax Co., Ltd. under the model number of BN90; a spraying pressure 35 for a binder: 0.02 MPa; air spraying pressure for forming fine droplets: 0.3 MPa). After the addition, the formation of particles was carried out for 2 minutes, and the particles were discharged from a rotary drum mixer. [0105] The resulting Particles 5 had an average particle size of 213 [m, a 5 bulk density of 683 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.5 mL/g. Also, the particles had an yield of particles of 98.4% and a Rosin-Rammler number of 1.8. [0106] Example 6 One hundred parts by weight (100 g) of Particles 1 for supporting a 10 surfactant obtained were supplied into a 300 mL beaker, and 15 parts by weight of a surfactant composition (polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, "EMULGEN 106" manufactured by Kao Corporation, 30'C) was supplied thereto in 2 minutes, and thereafter the components were stirred for 3 minutes. Further, 20 parts by weight of an amorphous aluminosilicate was 15 supplied thereto, the components were stirred for one minute, and Detergent Particles 1 were discharged. [0107] The resulting Detergent Particles 1 had an average particle size of 483 tm, an yield of detergent of 74.2%, a bulk density of 624 g/L, and a free flowability of 6.4 s. 20 [0108] Example 7 The same procedures as in Example 6 were carried out except that Particles 3 for supporting a surfactant were used, to provide Detergent Particles 2. [0109] The resulting Detergent Particles 2 had an average particle size of 25 140 [tm, an yield of detergent of 89.1%, a bulk density of 629 g/L, and a 36 free flowability of 8.7 s. [0110] Example 8 The same procedures as in Example 6 were carried out except that Particles 4 for supporting a surfactant were used, and that 35 parts by 5 weight of an amorphous aluminosilicate was added thereto, to provide Detergent Particles 3. [0111] The resulting Detergent Particles 3 had an average particle size of 363 [tm, an yield of detergent of 90.5%, a bulk density of 796 g/L, and a free flowability of 5.7 s. 10 [0112] Example 9 The same procedures as in Example 6 were carried out except that Particles 5 for supporting a surfactant were used, and that 35 parts by weight of an amorphous aluminosilicate was added thereto, to provide Detergent Particles 4. 15 [0113] The resulting Detergent Particles 4 had an average particle size of 224 [tm, an yield of detergent of 97.5%, a bulk density of 783 g/L, and a free flowability of 6.5 s. [0114] Comparative Example 1 One hundred parts by weight (5.1 kg) of Light Ash was stirred in a 20 75-L rotary drum mixer (< 40 cm x L 60 cm; rotational speed: 30 r. p. m.; a Froude number: 0.2) having baffles. After stirring the components for 30 seconds, 35.4 parts by weight of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid at 60'C (200 mPa-s) was added thereto in 3 minutes, with a one-fluid nozzle (a product manufactured by Spraying Systems Japan K.K. under the model 25 number of UNIJET8003). After the addition, the formation of particles 37 was carried out for 2 minutes, and the particles were discharged from a rotary drum mixer. [0115] The resulting Particles 6 had an average particle size of 788 [m, a bulk density of 647 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.43 mL/g. Also, 5 the particles had an yield of particles of 56% and a Rosin-Rammler number of 1.0. Here, the droplet size (average particle size) of the spraying liquid of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid was measured under the spraying conditions, and as a result, the average particle size was found to be 860 ptm. 10 [0116] Comparative Example 2 One hundred parts by weight (5.9 kg) of Dense Ash was stirred in a 75-L rotary drum mixer (* 40 cm x L 60 cm; rotational speed: 30 r. p. m.; a Froude number: 0.2) having baffles. After stirring the components for 30 seconds, 17.7 parts by weight of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid at 60'C 15 (200 mPa-s) was added thereto in 7 minutes, with a two-fluid nozzle (a product manufactured by Atomax Co., Ltd. under the model number of BN90; a spraying pressure for a binder: 0.02 MPa; air spraying pressure for forming fine droplets: 0.3 MPa). After the addition, the formation of particles was carried out for 2 minutes, and the particles were discharged 20 from a rotary drum mixer. [0117] The resulting Particles 7 had an average particle size of 596 ptm, a bulk density of 810 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.13 mL/g. Also, the particles had an yield of particles of 73% and a Rosin-Rammler number of 4.3. Here, the droplet size (average particle size) of the 25 spraying liquid of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid was measured under 38 the spraying conditions, and as a result, the average particle size was found to be 35 tm. [0118] Comparative Example 3 One hundred parts by weight (5.4 kg) of Light Ash was stirred in a 5 Ldige mixer (manufactured by Matsuzaka Giken Co., Ltd., capacity: 130L, with a jacket). After stirring the components for 30 seconds, 28.4 parts by weight of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid at 60'C (200 mPa-s) was added thereto in 7 minutes, with a two-fluid nozzle (a product manufactured by Atomax Co., Ltd. under the model number of BN90; a 10 spraying pressure for a binder: 0.02 MPa; air spraying pressure for forming fine droplets: 0.3 MPa). After the addition, the formation of particles was carried out for 2 minutes, and the particles were discharged from the L6dige mixer. Here, the droplet size (average particle size) of the spraying liquid of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid was measured under the 15 spraying conditions, and as a result, the average particle size was found to be 35 m. [0119] The resulting Particles 8 had an average particle size of 177 tm', a bulk density of 671 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.29 mL/g. Also, the particles had an yield of particles of 98% and a Rosin-Rammler 20 number of 1.1. [0120] Comparative Example 4 One hundred parts by weight (5.4 kg) of Light Ash was stirred in a L6dige mixer (manufactured by Matsuzaka Giken Co., Ltd., capacity: 130L, with a jacket). After stirring the components for 30 seconds, 28.4 25 parts by weight of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid at 60'C (200 mPa-s) 39 was added thereto in 3 minutes, with a one-fluid nozzle (a product manufactured by Spraying Systems Japan K.K. under the model number of UNIJET8010). After the addition, the formation of particles was carried out for 2 minutes, and the particles were discharged from the L6dige mixer. 5 [0121] The resulting Particles 9 had an average particle size of 172 [tm, a bulk density of 759 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.32 mL/g. Also, the particles had an yield of particles of 99% and a Rosin-Rammler number of 0.9. Here, the droplet size (average particle size) of the spraying liquid of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid was measured under 10 the spraying conditions, and as a result, the average particle size was found to be 510 prm. [0122] Comparative Example 5 One hundred parts by weight (5.5 kg) of Light Ash was stirred in a 75-L rotary drum mixer ($ 40 cm x L 60 cm; rotational speed: 30 r. p.! m.; 15 a Froude number: 0.2) having baffles. After stirring the components for 30 seconds, 28.2 parts by weight of a low-melting point polyoxyethylene alkyl ether at 60*C (40 mPa-s) was added thereto in 7 minutes, with a two fluid nozzle (a product manufactured by Atomax Co., Ltd. under the model number of BN90; a spraying pressure for a binder: 0.01 MPa; air spraying 20 pressure for forming fine droplets: 0.3 MPa). After the addition, the formation of particles was carried out for 2 minutes, and the particles were discharged from a rotary drum mixer. [0123] The resulting Particles 10 were a wet powder, having properties that could not be handled. 25 [0124] Comparative Example 6 40 One hundred parts by weight (4.93 kg) of Light Ash was stirred in a 75-L rotary drum mixer ($ 40 cm x L 60 cm; rotational speed: 30 r. p. m.; a Froude number: 0.2) having baffles. After stirring the components for 30 seconds, 35.0 parts by weight of a low-melting point polyoxyethylene 5 alkyl ether at 60*C (40 mPa-s) was added thereto in 9.43 minutes, with a two-fluid nozzle (a product manufactured by Atomax Co., Ltd. under the model number of BN90; a spraying pressure for a binder: 0.01 MPa; air spraying pressure for forming fine droplets: 0.3 MPa). After the addition, the formation of particles was carried out for one minute. Thereafter, 41 10 parts by weight of Zeolite was added, based on 100 parts by weight of Light Ash, the components were mixed for one minute, and the particles were discharged from a rotary drum mixer. [0125] The resulting Particles 11 had an average particle size of 138 [tm, a bulk density of 698 g/L, and an oil-absorbing ability of 0.20 mL/g. Also, 15 the particles had an yield of particles of 99.3% and a Rosin-Rammler number of 1.0. [0126] Comparative Example 7 The same procedures as in Example 6 were carried out except that Particles 7 were used, and that 45 parts by weight of an amorphous 20 aluminosilicate was added, to provide Detergent Particles 5. [0127] The resulting Detergent Particles 5 had an average particle size of 4,638 tm and an yield of detergent of 0.1%. [0128] Conditions and results of Examples and the like given above are shown in the following tables. 25 [0129] 41 [Table 1] CL z L > 00 . 0. -1 -2 r- r -- O N M0 NT r- C> -2 00 r' C\NA 0.- cl - -- Coo Z N)C

~

3 LU N~- 'C 4/. W L c 42 S00 00 LUn 00 ) * ' m_ \ OT0 N V) o) Uz 43 [0130] The items and the abbreviations in the tables will be explained hereinbelow. LAS: a linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid FA: Fatty acid 5 E121: a high-melting point polyoxyethylene alkyl ether E106: a low-melting point polyoxyethylene alkyl ether PEG: polyethylene glycol Zeolite: amorphous aluminosilicate [0131] Percentage of Coarse Particles: a proportion of particles (% by 10 weight) remaining on a 1,000 [tm-sieve, of the entire particles to be evaluated. Bulk Density: a bulk density of particles having sizes of 1,180 [im-sieve pass, of the particles to be evaluated. Free Flowability: a free flowability of particles having sizes of 1,180 ttm 15 sieve pass, of the particles to be evaluated. Oil-Absorbing Ability: an oil-absorbing ability of particles having sizes of 2,000 [tm-sieve pass, of the particles to be evaluated. [0132] It was clarified from the comparison between Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 3 and 4 that the particles having desired oil 20 absorbing abilities are obtained by using a vessel rotary mixer. Further, it could be seen from the comparison between Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1 that the particles having a sharp particle size distribution can be obtained in excellent yields by adding a binder with a two-fluid nozzle. 25 [0133] It could be seen from the comparison between Example 6 and 44 Comparative Example 7 that the detergent particles obtained by allowing a surfactant composition to oil-absorb to the particles of the present invention can be prepared without making the particles coarse. In addition, it was clarified the comparison between Examples 3 to 5 and Comparative 5 Example 5 that the formation of particles is unlikely to take place when a liquid not in a solid form at an ambient form is used as a binder, and it could be seen that even in a case where zeolite is added (Comparative Example 6), the particles obtained had a broad particle size distribution, and a low oil-absorbing ability. 10 [0134] It was shown from Examples 6 to 9 that detergent particles are obtained in high yields by using the particles for supporting a surfactant of the present invention. Moreover, the detergent particles could be produced without further carrying out a drying procedure such as spray-drying. 15 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0135] According to the present invention, particles for supporting a surfactant having excellent supporting capacity/supporting ability/supporting rate of a liquid surfactant composition can be obtained by a method without employing spray-drying.