CA2268063C - Process for making a detergent composition by non-tower process - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent compositio n having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, and (b) spraying on finely atomized liquid to the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed. Optionally, the second agglomerates are further subjected to the step (c), i.e., thoroughly mixing the second agglomerates in a mixer.

Description

PROCESS FOR MAKING A DETERGENT COMPOSITION BY NON-TOWER
PROCESS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a non-tower process for producing a particulate detergent composition. More particularly, the invention is directed to a continuous process during which detergent agglomerates are produced by feeding a surfactant and coating materials into a series of mixers.
The process produces a free flowing, detergent composition whose density can be adjusted for wide range of consumer needs, and which can be commercially sold.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recently, there has been considerable interest within the detergent industry for laundry detergents which are "compact" and therefore, have low dosage volumes. To facilitate production of these so-called low dosage detergents, many attempts have been made to produce high bulk density detergents, for example with a density of 600 g// or higher. The low dosage detergents are currently in high demand as they conserve resources and can be sold in small packages which are more convenient for consumers. However, the extent to which modern detergent products need to be "compact" in nature remains unsettled. In fact, many consumers, especially in developing countries, continue to prefer a higher dosage levels in ~ their respective laundering operations.
Generally, there are two primary types of processes by which detergent ' granules or powders can be prepared. The first type of process involves spray drying an aqueous detergent slurry in a spray-drying tower to produce highly ' porous detergent granules (e.g., tower process for low density detergent compositions). In the second type of process, the various detergent components are dry mixed after which they are agglomerated with a binder such as a nonionic or anionic surtactant, to produce high density detergent compositions (e.g., agglomeration process for high density detergent compositions). In the above two processes, the important factors which govern the density of the resulting detergent granules are the shape, porosity and particle size distribution of said granules, the density of the various starting materials, the shape of the various starting materials, and their respective chemical composition.
There have been many attempts in the art for providing processes which increase the density of detergent granules or powders. Particular attention has been given to densification of spray-dried granules by post tower treatment.
For example, one attempt involves a batch process in which spray-dried or granulated detergent powders containing sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium sulfate are densified and spheronized in a Marumerizer~. This apparatus comprises a substantially horizontal, roughened, rotatable table positioned within and at the base of a substantially vertical, smooth walled cylinder. This process, however, is essentially a batch process and is therefore less suitable for the large scale production of detergent powders. More recently, other attempts have been made to provide continuous processes for increasing the density of "post-tower" or spray, dried detergent granules. Typically, such processes require a first apparatus which pulverizes or grinds the granules and a second apparatus which increases the density of the pulverized granules by agglomeration. While these processes achieve the desired increase in density by treating or densifying "post tower" or spray dried granules, they are limited in their ability to go higher in surfactant active level without subsequent coating step. In addition, treating or densifying by "post tower" is not favourable in terms of economics (high capital cost) and complexity of operation. Moreover, all of the aforementioned processes are directed primarily for densifying or otherwise processing spray dried granules. Currently, the relative amounts and types of materials subjected to spray drying processes in the production of detergent granules has been limited. For example, it has been difficult to attain high levels of surfactant in the resulting detergent composition, a feature which facilitates production of detergents in a more efficient manner. Thus, it would be desirable to have a process by which detergent compositions can be produced without having the limitations imposed by conventional spray drying techniques.
To that end, the art is also replete with disclosures of processes which entail agglomerating detergent compositions. For example, attempts have been __. ___ ~ __. .___ made to agglomerate detergent builders by mixing zeolite and/or layered silicates in a mixer to form free flowing agglomerates. While such attempts suggest that their process can be used to produce detergent agglomerates, they do not provide a mechanism by which starting detergent materials in the form of pastes, liquids and dry materials can be effectively agglomerated into crisp, free flowing detergent agglomerates.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art to have an agglomeration (non-tower) process for continuously producing a detergent composition having high density delivered directly from starting detergent ingredients, and preferably the density can be achieved by adjusting the process condition. Also, there remains a need for such a process which is more efficient, flexible and economical to facilitate large-scale production of detergents (1) for flexibility in the ultimate density of the final composition, and (2) for flexibility in terms of incorporating several different kinds of detergent ingredients (especially liquid ingredients) into the process.
The following references are directed to densifying spray-dried granules:
Appel et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,133,924 (Lever); Bortolotti et al, U.S. Patent No.
5,160,657 (Lever); Johnson et al, British patent No. 1,517,713 (Unilever); and Curtis, European Patent Application 451,894.
The following references are directed to producing detergents by agglomeration: Beujean et al, Laid-open No.W093/23,523 (Henkel), Lutz et al, U.S. Patent No. 4,992,079 (FMC Corporation); Porasik et a1, U.S. Patent No.

4,427,417 (Korex); Beerse et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,108,646 (Procter & Gamble);
Capeci et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,366,652 (Procter & Gamble); Hollingsworth et al, European Patent Application 351,937 (Unilever); Swatting et al, U.S. Patent No.

5,205,958; Dhalewadikar et al, Laid Open No.W096104359 (Unilever).
For example, the Laid-open No.W093/23,523 (Henkel) describes the process comprising pre-agglomeration by a ~ low speed mixer and further agglomeration step by high speed mixer for obtaining high density detergent composition with less than 25 wt % of the granules having a diameter over 2 mm. The U.S. Patent No. 4,427,417 (Korex) describes continuous process for agglomeration which reduces caking and oversized agglomerates.
None of the existing art provides all of the advantages and benefits of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention meets the aforementioned needs in the art by providing a process which produces a high density granular detergent composition. The present invention also meets the aforementioned needs in the art by providing a process which produces a granular detergent composition for flexibility in the ultimate density of the final composition from agglomeration (e.g., non-tower) process. The process does not use the conventional spray drying towers currently which is limited in producing high surfactant loading compositions. In addition, the process of the present invention is more efficient, economical and flexible with regard to the variety of detergent compositions which can be produced in the process. Moreover, the process is more amenable to environmental concerns in that it does not use spray drying towers which typically emit particulates and volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.
As used herein, the term "agglomerates" refers to particles formed by agglomerating raw materials with binder such as surfactants and or inorganic solutions / organic solvents and polymer solutions. As used herein, the term "mean residence time" refers to following definition:
mean residence time (hr) = mass (kg) / flow throughput (kg/hr) All percentages used herein are expressed as "percent-by-weights unless indicated otherwise. All ratios are weight ratios unless indicated otherwise.
As used herein, "comprising" means that other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the result can be added. This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of~.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-tower process for preparing a granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/1, comprising the steps of:
(a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with one powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a first mixer wherein conditions of the mixer include (i) from about 2 to about 50 seconds of mean residence time, (ii) from about 4 to about 25 m/s of tip speed, and (iii) from about 0.15 to about 7 kj/kg of energy condition, wherein first agglomerates are formed;
(b) spraying finely atomized liquid onto the first agglomerates in a second mixer wherein conditions of the mixer include (i) from about 0.2 to about 5 seconds of mean residence time, (ii) from about 10 to about 30 mls of tip speed, and (iii) from about 0.15 to about 5 kj/kg of energy condition, wherein second agglomerates are formed; and (c) thoroughly mixing the second agglomerates in a third mixer wherein conditions of the mixer include (i) from about 0.5 to about 5 15 minutes of mean residence time and (ii) from about 0.15 to about 7 kj/kg of energy condition.
Also provided are the granular detergent compositions having a high density of at least about 600g/1, produced by any one of the process embodiments described herein.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a process for continuously producing a detergent composition which has flexibility with respect to density of the final products by controlling energy input, residence time condition, and tip speed condition in the mixers. It is also an object of the invention to provide a process which is more efficient, flexible and economical to facilitate large-scale production. These and other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention is directed to a process which produces free flowing, granular detergent agglomerates having a density of at least about g/1. The process produces granular detergent agglomerates from an aqueous and/or non-aqueous surtactant which is then coated with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in order to obtain low density granules.
Process First Step (Step a) In the first step of the process, one or more of aqueous and/or non aqueous surfactant(s), which is/are in the form of powder, paste and/or liquid , and fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, preferably from about 1 to about 100 microns are fed into a first mixer, so as to make agglomerates. (The definition of the surfactants and the fine powder are described in detail hereinafter.) Optionally, an internal recycle stream of powder, generally having a diameter of about 0.1 to about 300 microns, which can be generated from an "optional conditioning process (i.e., drying and/or cooling step)," which is an additional step after the process of present invention can be fed into the mixer in addition to the fine powder. The amount of such internal recycle stream of powder can be 0 to about 60 wt% of final product.
In another embodiment of the invention, the surfactants) can be initially fed into a mixer or pre-mixer (e.g. a conventional screw extruder or other similar mixer) prior to the above, after which the mixed detergent materials are fed into the first step mixer as described herein for agglomeration.
Generally speaking, preferably, the mean residence time of the first mixer is in range from about 2 to about 50 seconds and tip speed of the first mixer is in range from about 4 m/s to about 25 m/s, the energy per unit mass of the first mixer (energy condition) is in range from about 0.15 kj/kg to about 7 kj/kg, more preferably, the mean residence time of the first mixer is in range from about 5 to about 30 seconds and tip speed of the first mixer is in range from about 6 m/s to about 18 m/s, the energy per unit mass of the first mixer (energy condition) is in range from about 0.3 kj/kg to about 4 kj/kg, and most preferably, the mean residence time in the first mixer is in range from about 5 to about 20 seconds and tip speed of the first mixer is in range from about 8 m/s to about 18 m/s, the energy per unit mass of the first mixer (energy condition) is in range from about 0.3 kj/kg to about 4 kj/kg.

The examples of the first mixer for the first step can be any types of mixer known to persons skilled in the art, as long as the mixer can mainta~ the above mentioned condition for the 5rst step: An Example can be L"~eg Mixer manufactured by the LtSdige Corrtpany(t~n~eny), ,t~ ~~ gun of the first step, S agglomerates having fine powder on the surface of the agglomerates (first agglomerates) are then obtain~d., Seed Steo ~ Stan b1 The resultant (i.~., tho first agglomerates) from the first step is tad into a second mixer. Finely atomized liquid is sprayed on the agglomerates in the second mixer. If excessive fine powder from the first step is optionally included in the product added to the second step. spraying the finely atomized liquid is useful in order to bind the excessive fine powder onto the agglomerates from the first step. About 0-10°~ , more preferably about 2-5°~ of powder detergent ingredients of tho kind used in the first step andlor other detergent ingredients can be added to the second mixer.
Generally speaking, preferably, the mean residence tirr~ of the second mixer is in range from about 0.2 to about 5 seconds and tip speed of the second mixer is in range from about 10 mJs to about 30 mls, the energy per unit mass (energy condition) of the second mixer is in range from about 0.15 tcj/kg to about 5 kjlkg, more preferably, the mean residence time of the second mixer is in range from about 0.2 to about 5 seconds and tfp speed of the second mixer is in range from about 10 mls to about 30 m/s, the energy per unit mass of the second mixer . (energy condition) is in range from about 0.15 kjikg to about 5 kjllcg, the most preferably. the mean residence time of the second mixer is in range from about i5 0.2 to about 5 seconds, tip speed of the second mixer is in range from about 15 mls to about 28 mls, the energy per unit mass of the second mixer (energy condition) is in the range from about 0.15 kj/kg to about 2 lylkg.
The examples of the second mixer can be any types of mixer known to persons skilled in the art, as Ions as the mixer can maintain the above Wined condition for the ae. An Example can be Flexors AAodel manufadursd by the Schu~Company tterlands). As the result of the second step, second agglomerates are then obtained.
i S, I
If the second agglomerates are less than 800 gll, or if further S agglomeration is preferred to meet the optimum condition as the final product from the process of the present invention, the agglomerates from the second step (the second agglomerates) are fed into a third mixer. Namely, the second agglomerates are mixed and sheared thoroughly for rounding and growth of the agglomerates in the third mixer. Optionally, about 0-10% , more preferably about 2-5% of powder detergent ingredients of the kind used in the first step, second step, and/or other detergent ingredients can be added to the third step.
Preferably, choppers which are attachable for the third mixer can be used to break up undesirable oversized agglomerates. Therefore, the process including the third mixer with choppers is useful in order to obtain reduced amount of IO oversized agglomerates as final products, and such process is one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Generally speaking, preferably, the mean residence time of the third mixer is in range from about 0.5 to about 15 minutes and the energy per unit mass of the third mixer (energy condition) is in range from about 0.15 to about 7 kj/kg, more preferably, the mean residence time of the third mixer is from about 3 to about 6 minutes and the energy per unit mass of the third mixer (energy condition) is in range from about 0.15 to about 4kj/kg.
The examples of the third mixer can be any types of mixer known to persons skilled in the art, as long as the mixer can maintain the above mentioned condition for the third step. An Example can be Lodige KM Mixer manufactured by the Lodige company (Germany).
As the result of the second (or the third step), a resultant product having a density of at least 600 g//, is then obtained. Optionally, the resultant can be further subjected to drying, cooling and/or grinding.
In the case that the process of the present invention is proceeded by using (1) CB mixer which has flexibility to inject at least two liquid ingredients, (2) Schugi Mixer which has flexibility to inject at least two liquid ingredients, (3) KM
mixer which has flexibility to inject at least a liquid ingredient, the process can incorporate five different kinds of liquid ingredients in the process.
Therefore, the proposed process is beneficial for persons skilled in the art in order to incorporate into a granule making process starting detergent materials which are in liquid form and are rather expensive and sometimes more difficult in terms of handling and/or storage than solid materials.

a St~~,iw,D" eteraent Materials The total amount of the surfactants in products made by the present invention. which are included in the following detergent materials, finely atomized liquid and adjunct detergent ingredients, is generally from about 5 % to about S %, more preferably from about 12°~ to about 40 °~, more preferably, from about 15 to about 35°~, in total amount of the final product obtained by the process of the present invention. The surfactants which should be inducted in the above can be from sny part of the process of the present invention., e.g., from either one of the first step, the second step and/or the third step of the present invention.
Detergent ,surfactant (Anueous /Non-aq~reousl The amount of the surfactant of the present process can be from about 5 % to about 60 %, more preferably from shout 12% to about 40 %, more preferably, from about 15 to about 35%, in total amount of the final product IS obtained by the process of the present invention.
The surtactant of the present process, which is used as the above mentioned starting detergent materials in the first step, is in the form of powdered, pasted or liquid raw materials.
Tha surfactant itself is profsrably selected from anionic, nonionic, zwiherionic, ampholydc ond~ cationic classes and compatible mixtures thereof.
Detergent surfactants useful herein aro described in U. S. Patent 3.664.961.
Nortis, issued May 23, 1:972, and in U.S. Patent 3.929,678, Laughlin et al., issued December 30, 1975.
Useful die sub also include those described in U.S. Patent 4,222,905, Cockrell, Issued September 16, 1980, and in U.S. Patent 4,239,859, Murphy, issued December 18, 1980.
Of the surfa~r~. avionics and nonionica are preferred and avionics are most prefiemod.
Nonlimiting exart>ptag of the preferred anionic surfactants useful in the present invention include the conventional C1 ~-C~8 alkyl benzene sulfonates ("LAS'S, primary, branched-chain and random Clp.C20 a~Cyl sulfates ("AS's, the C10-ClB ~ndary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH3(CH2jx(CHOSOg M') CH3 and CH3 (CHZ~(CHOS03'M+) CH2CHg where x and (y ~ 1) are integers of at least about 7, preferably at least about 9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation, especially sodium, unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate, and the C10-C1g alkyl alkoxy sulfates ("AExS'; especially EO 1-7 ethoxy sulfates).
Useful anionic surfactants also include water-soluble salts of 2-acyloxy alkane-1-sulfonic acids containing from about 2 to 9 carbon atoms in the acyl 5 group and from about 9 to about 23 carbon atoms in the alkane moiety; water soluble salts of olefin sulfonates containing from about 12 to 24 carbon atoms;
and beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates containing from about 1 to 3 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and from about 8 to 20 carbon atoms in the alkane moiety .
Optionally, other exemplary surfactants useful in the invention include 10 C1p-C1g alkyl alkoxy carboxylates (especially the EO 1-5 ethoxycarboxylates), the C10-18 9lYcerol ethers, the C10-C1g alkyl polyglycosides and the corresponding sulfated polyglycosides, and C12-C1g alpha-sulfonated fatty acid esters. If desired, the conventional nonionic and amphoteric surfactants such as the C12-C18 alkyl ethoxylates ("AE") including the so-called narrow peaked alkyl ethoxylates and C6-C12 alkyl phenol alkoxylates (especially ethoxylates and mixed ethoxy/propoxy), C10-C1g amine oxides, and the like, can also be included in the overall compositions. The C10-C1g N-alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amides can also be used. Typical examples include the C12-C1g N-methylglucamides. See WO 9,206,154. Other sugar-derived surfactants include the N-alkoxy polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, such as C1p-C1g N-(3 methoxypropyl) glucamide. The N-propyl through N-hexyl C12-C1 g glucamides can be used for low sudsing. C10-C2p conventional soaps may also be used. If high sudsing is desired, the branched-chain C10-C16 soaps may be used.
Mixtures of anionic and nonionic surfactants are especially useful. Other conventional useful surfactants are listed in standard texts.
Cationic surfactants can also be used as a detergent surfactant herein and suitable quaternary ammonium surfactants are selected from mono Cg-C16, preferably C6-C10 N-alkyl or alkenyl ammonium surfactants wherein remaining N
positions are substituted by methyl, hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl groups.
Ampholytic surfactants can also be used as a detergent surfactant herein, which include aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines;
zwitterionic surfactants which include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, phosphonium and sulfonium compounds; water-soluble salts of esters of alpha-sulfonated fatty acids; alkyl ether sulfates; water-soluble salts of olefin sulfonates; beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates; betaines having the formula R(R1)2N'~R2C00-, wherein R is a C6-C1g hydrocarbyl group, preferably a C10-C16 alkyl group or C1p-C16 acylamido alkyl group, each R1 is typically C1-C3 alkyl, preferably methyl and R2 is a C1-C5 hydrocarbyl group, preferably a C1-C3 alkylene group, more preferably a C1-C2 alkylene group. Examples of suitable betaines include coconut acylamidopropyldimethyl betaine; hexadecyl dimethyl betaine; C12_14 acylamidopropylbetaine; Cg-14 acylamidohexyidiethyl betaine; 4[C14-16 acyimethylamidodiethylammonio]-1-carboxybutane; C16-18 acylamidodimethylbetaine;
C12-16 acylamidopentanediethylbetaine; and [C12-16 acylmethylamidodimethylbetaine. Preferred betaines are C12-18 dimethyl-ammonio hexanoate and the C10-18 acylamidopropane (or ethane) dimethyl (or diethyl) betaines; and the sultaines having the formula (R(R1)2N+R2S03- wherein R is a C6-C1g hydrocarbyl group, preferably a C10-C16 alkyl group, more preferably a C12-C13 alkyl group, each R1 is typically C3 alkyl, preferably methyl, and R2 is a C1-Cg hydrocarbyl group, preferably a C1-C3 alkylene or, preferably, hydroxyalkylene group. Examples of suitable sultaines include C12-C14 dimethylammonio-2-hydroxypropyl sulfonate, C12-C14 amido propyl ammonio-2-hydroxypropyl sultaine, C12-C14 dihydroxyethylammonio propane sulfonate, and C16_~g dimethylammonio hexane sulfonate, with C12-14 amido propyl ammonio-2-hydroxypropyl sultaine being preferred.
Fine Powder The amount of the fine powder of the present process, which is used in the first step, can be from about 94% to 30%, preferably from 86% to 54%, in total amount of starting material for the first step . The starting fine powder of the present process preferably selected from the group consisting of ground soda ash, powdered sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), hydrated tripolyphosphate, ground sodium sulphates, aluminosilicates, crystalline layered silicates, nitrilotriacetates (NTA), phosphates, precipitated silicates, polymers, carbonates, citrates, powdered surfactants (such as powdered alkane sulfonic acids) and internal recycle stream of powder occurring from the process of the present invention, wherein the average diameter of the powder is from 0.1 to 500 microns, preferably from 1 to 300 microns, more preferably from 5 to 100 microns. In the case of using hydrated STPP as the fine powder of the present invention, STPP which is hydrated to a level of not less than 50% is preferable.

The aluminosillcate ion exchange materials used herein as a detergent builder preferably have both a high calcium ion exchange capacity and a high exchange rate. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that such"
high calcium ion exchange rate and capacity are a function of several interrelated !actors which derive from the method by which the aluminosilicate ion exchange material is pn~duced. In that regard, the aluminosilicate ion exchange materials used herein are preferably produced in accordance with Corkill et al, U.S.
Patent No. 4,805,509 (Procter & Gamble).
Preferably, the aluminosilicate ion exchange material is in "sodium" form since the potassium and hydrogen forms of the instant aluminosilicate do not exhibit as high of an exchange rate and . capacity as provided by the sodium form. Additionally, the aluminosilicate ion exchange material preferably is in over dried fomn so as to facilitate production of crisp detergent agglomerates as 1 S described herein. The aluminoslhcate ion exchange materials used herein preferably have particle size diameters which optimize their e!lec0veness as detergent builders. The term "partrcle site diameter" as used herein represents the average particfe size diameter of a given afuminosilicate ion exchange material as determined by conventional analytical techniques, such as microscopic determination and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The preferred particle size diameter of the aluminosilicate is from about 0.1 micron to about 10 microns, more preferably from about 0.5 microns to about 9 microns.
Most preferably, the particle size diameter is from about 1 microns to about' S
micxons.
Pre~ly, the aluminos~icate ion exchange material has the formula NeZI(~z~ (S~y~2o wherein z and y are integers of at least 8, the molar ratio of z to y is from about 1 to about 5 and x is from about 10 to about 284. More preferably, the aluminosil'~ Ass the formula Na~2t(~uo~~a.cs~~z~HZa wherein x is from about 20 to about 30, preferably about 27. These preferred aluminosil'~catea are available commercially, for example under designations Zeolite A, Zeolite B and Zeolite X. Altemat'rvely, naturally-oauning or synthetically derived aluminosilkete ion exchange materials suitable for use herein can be made as described in Krummel et al, U.S. Patent No. 3,985,669.
The aluminosilicates used herein are further characterized by their ion exchange capacity which is at least about 200 mg equivalent of CaC03 hardness/gram, calculated on an anhydrous basis, and which is preferably in a range from about 300 to 352 mg equivalent of CaC03 hardness/gram.
Additionally, the instant aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are still further characterized by their calcium ion exchange rate which is at least about 2 grains Ca++/gallon/minute/-gram/gallon, and more preferably in a range from about 2 grains Ca++/gallon/minute/-gram/gallon to about 6 grains Ca++/gallon/minute/
-gram/gallon.
Finely Atomized Liauid The amount of the finely atomized liquid of the present process can be from about 1 % to about 10% (active basis), preferably from 2% to about 8%
(active basis) in total amount of the final product obtained by the process of the present Invention. The finely atomized liquid of the present process can be selected from the group consisting of liquid silicate, anionic or cationic surfactants which are in liquid form, aqueous or non-aqueous polymer solutions, water and mixtures thereof. The aqueous or non-aqueous polymer solution is dispersed with the surfactant in step (a). Other optional examples for the finely atomized liquid of the present invention can be sodium carboxy methyl cellulose solution, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and solutions of dimethylene triamine pentamethyl phosphonic acid (DETMP).
The preferable examples of the anionic surfactant solutions which can be used as the finely atomized liquid in the present inventions are about 88 -97%
active HLAS, about 30- 50% active NaLAS, about 28% active AE3S solution, about 40-50% active liquid silicate, and so on.
Cationic surfactants can also be used as finely atomized liquid herein and suitable quaternary ammonium surfactants are selected from mono C6-C~s preferably Cs-C~a N-alkyl or alkenyl ammonium surfactants wherein remaining N
positions are substituted by methyl, hydroxyothyl or hydroxypropyl groups.
Preferable examples of the aqueous or non-aqueous polymer solutions which can be used as the finely atomized liquid in the present inventions are modified polyamines which comprise a polyamine backbone corresponding to the formula:

H
f~"~-~r~'~[N-R~r~r[N-~rrNhl2 having a modified polyamine formula Vin+~~WmYn2 or a polyamine backbone corresponding to the formula:
s ~~ ~n-k+'~'(I~I-F~~E~F~t~ ~k-'N~2 having a modified polyamine formula V~n_k+1)W,rYnY'k2, wherein k is less than or equal to n, said polyamine backbone prior to modification has a molecular weight greater than about 200 daltons, wherein i) V units are terminal units having the formula:
is E X_ E-N-F~- o~ E-N~ f~- or E-N-F~-ii) W units are backbone units having the formula:
~X
- N- F~- or -~ ~- or -N- R
iii) Y units are branching units having the formula:
E X_ -~F~ or -lit F~- or - i -!~-- .
and iv) Z units are terminal units having the formula:

WO 98/14555 PCT/~JS97/09793 X
-N-E or E
wherein backbone linking R units are selected from the group consisting of C2-C12 alkylene, C4-C12 alkenylene, C3-C12 hydroxyalkylene, C4-C12 dihydroxy-alkylene, Cg-C12 dialkyiarylene, -(R10)xR1-, -(R10)xR5(OR1)x-, 5 -(CH2CH(OR2)CH20}z(R1 O)yR1 (OCH2CH(OR2)CH2)"y-, -C(O)(R4)rC(O)-, -CH2CH(OR2)CH2-, and mixtures thereof; wherein R1 is C2-Cg alkyiene and mixtures thereof; R2 is hydrogen, -(R10)xB, and mixtures thereof; R3 is C1-C1g alkyl, C7-C12 arylalkyl, C7-C12 alkyl substituted aryl, Cg-C12 aryl, and mixtures thereof; R4 is C1-C12 alkylene, C4-C12 alkenylene, Cg-10 C12 arylalkylene,,Cg-C1p arylene, and mixtures thereof; R5 is C1-C12 alkylene, C3-C12 hydroxyalkylene, C4-C12 dihydroxy-alkylene, Cg-C12 dialkylarylene, -C(O)-, -C(O)NHR6NHC(O)-, -R1(OR1)-, -C{O)(R4)rC(O)-, -CH2CH(OH)CH2-, -CH2CH(OH)CH20(R10)yR10CH2CH{OH)CH2-, and mixtures thereof; R6 is C2-C12 alkylene or Cg-C12 arylene; E units are selected from the group 15 consisting of hydrogen, C1-C22 alkyl, C3-C22 alkenyl, C7-C22 arylalkyl, C2-hydroxyalkyl, -(CH2)pC02M, -(CH2)qSOgM, -CH(CH2C02M)C02M, -{CH2)pPOgM, -(R10)xB, -C(O)R3, and mixtures thereof; oxide; B is hydrogen, C1-Cg alkyl, -(CH2)qS03M, -(CH2)pC02M, -(CH2)q(CHS03M)CH2SOgM, -(CH2)q-(CHS02M)CH2SOgM, -(CH2)pPOgM, -P03M, and mixtures thereof; M
is hydrogen or a water soluble cation in sufficient amount to satisfy charge balance; X is a water soluble anion; m has the value from 4 to about 400; n has the value from 0 to about 200; p has the value from 1 to 6, q has the value from 0 to 6; r has the value of 0 or 1; w has the value 0 or 1; x has the value from 1 to 100; y has the value from 0 to 100; z has the value 0 or 1. One example of the most preferred polyethyleneimines would be a polyethyleneimine having a molecular weight of 1800 which is further modified by ethoxylation to a degree of approximately 7 ethyleneoxy residues per nitrogen (PEI 1800, E7). It is preferable for the above polymer solution to be pre-complex with anionic surfactant such as NaLAS.
Other preferable examples of the aqueous or non-aqueous polymer solutions which can be used as the finely atomized liquid in the present invention are polymeric polycarboxylate dispersants which can be prepared by polymerizing or copolymerizing suitable unsaturated monomers, preferably in their acid form. Unsaturated monomeric acids that can be polymerized to form suitable polymeric polycarboxylates include acrylic acid, malefic acid (or malefic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic acid. The presence in the polymeric polycarboxylates herein of monomeric segments, containing no carboxylate radicals such as vinylmethyl ether, styrene, ethylene, etc. is suitable provided that such segments do not constitute more than about 40% by weight of the polymer.
Homo-polymeric polycarboxylates which have molecular weights above 4000, such as described next are preferred. Particularly suitable homo-polymeric polycarboxylates can be derived from acrylic acid. Such acrylic acid-based polymers which are useful herein are the water soluble salts of polymerized acrylic acid. The average molecular weight of such polymers in the acid form preferably ranges from above 4,000 to 10,000, preferably from above 4,000 to 7,000, and most preferably from above 4,000 to 5,000. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid polymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts.
Co-polymeric polycarboxylates such as a Acrylic/maleic-based copolymers may also be used. Such materials include the water-soluble salts of copolymers of acrylic acid and malefic acid. The average molecular weight of such copolymers in the acid form preferably ranges from about 2,000 to 100,000, more preferably from about 5,000 to 75,000, most preferably from about 7,000 to 65,000. The ratio of acrylate to maleate segments in such copolymers will generally range from about 30:1 to about 1:1, more preferably from about 10:1 to 2:1. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. It is preferable for the above polymer solution to be pre-complexed with anionic surfactant such as LAS .
Adjunct Detergent Ingredients The starting detergent material in the present process can include additional detergent ingredients and/or, any number of additional ingredients can be incorporated in the detergent composition during subsequent steps of the present process. These adjunct ingredients include other detergency builders, bleaches, bleach activators, suds boosters or suds suppressors, anti-tarnish and ._.~ __.

anticorrosion agents. soil suspending agents, soil release agents, germicides, pH
adjusting agents, non-builder alkalinity sources, chelating agents, smec~te clays, ~nzymes, enzyme-stabilizing agents and perfumes. See U.S. Patent 3,936,537, issued February 3, 1976 to Baskerville, Jr. et al.
Other builders can be generally selected from the various water soluble, alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium phosphates, polyphosphates, phosphonates, polyphosphonates, carbonates, bonates, polyhydroxy sulfonatea, polyacetates, carboxylates, and polycarboxylates. Preferred are the alkali metal, ~spoeially sodium, salts of the above. Preferred fior use herein are the phosphates, carbonates. C1~18 fatty acids, polycarboxylates, and mixtures thereof. More preferred are sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, citrate, tartrate mono- and di-succinates, and mixtures thereof (see below).
~n comparison with amorphous sodium silicates, crystalline layered sodium silicates exhibit a clearly increased calaum and magnesium ion exchange capacity. In addition, the layered sodium sil'~cates prefer magnesium Ions over calcium ions, a feature necessary to insure that substantially all of the "hardness" is n~ntoved from the wash water. These crystalline layered sodium silicates, however, are generally more expensive than amorphous silicates as well as other builders. Accordingly, in order to provide an economically feasible laundry detergent, the proportion of crystalline fayened sodium silicates used must be determined judiciously. Such crystaliino ~yered sodium silicates are discussed in t..orldll et al, U.S. Patent No. 4,605,609.
Specific exarr~pbs of inorganic phosphate builders are sodium and potassium tripolyphosphate, pyrophosphate, polymeric metaphosphate having a degree of polymerizatjon of from about 8 to 21, and orthophosphates. Examples of polyphosphonate builders arse the sodium and potassium salts of e~ylene diphosphonic sect, the sodium and potassium salts of ethane 1-hydroxy-1, 1-diphosphonic acid and tfie sodium and potassium salts of ethane, 1,1,2~triphosphonic acid. Other phosphorus builder compounds are disclosed in U.S. Patents 3;159,581; 3,213,030; 3,422,021; 3,422,137; 3,400,176 and 3,400,148.

~e Examples of nonphosphonrs. inorganic builders are tetraborate decahyd~ate and silicates having a weight ratio of Si02 to alkali metal oxide of from about 0.5 to about 4.0, preferably from about 1.0 to about ~ 2.4.
Water-soluble, nonphosphorus organic builders useful herein indude the various S alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium polyacetates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates and polyhydroxy sulfonates. F~camples of poiyacetate and polycarboxylate builders are the sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of ethylene diamine tetraaoatic aad, nitritotriacetic acid, oxydisuccinic aad, mellitic acid, benzene potycsrboxylic aads, and citric acid.
Polymeric po~rboxylate builders aro set forth in U.S. Patent 3,308.067, Diehl, issued March 1. 1967. _ Such materials Include the water-soluble salts of homo- and copolymers of aliphatic carboxylic acids such as mateic add, itaconic aad, mesaconie sdd, fumaric acid, aconitic acid, citraconic acid and methylene maionic acid. Some of these materials are useful as the water soluble anionic polymer as hereinafter described, but only if in intimate admixture with the non-soap anionic surfactant.
Other suitable polycarboxylstes for use herein are the polyacetal carboxylates described in U.S. P X38,.. ~~ ~3, 1979 to Cru~ktfiald ~ et al, and U.S. Patent 4,246,495, Issued March 27, 1979 to CrutchllaM et bl. . . . _ These polyscetal ~arboxylat~s can be preparod by bringing . together under polymeraaitwn conditions an ester of glyoxylic add and a polymerization initiator.
The resulting polyaoetal carboxylate aster is then attached to chemically stable end groups to stab~'ize the polyaeetal carboxylate against rapid depolymerization in alk~e solution, converted to the corresponding Belt, and added to a detergent cx~mpositan. Particularly preferred polyc~rboxylate builders are the ether carboxylata binder compositions comprising a combination of tartrate monosucdnate and tarlrate disuccinate described in U.S. Patent 4,663,071, Bush et al., issued May S, 1987.
Bleaching agents and activators are des«ibed in U.S. Patent 4,412,934, Chung et al., issued November 1, 1983, and in U.S. Patent 4,483.781, Hartman.
issued November 20, 1984. _ Chelating agents are also described in U.S. Patent 4;663,071. Bush et al., from Column '1T, tine 54 through Column 18, line 68. _ reference. Suds modifiers are also optional ingredients and are described in U.S. Patents 3,933.872, issued January 30, 1976 to Bartotetta et al., and 4.136,045, issued January 23, 1979 to f3autt et al.
Suitable srnectite days for use herein are described in U.S. Patent 4,762,845, Tucker vt al, issued August 9. 1988, Column 8, line 3 through Column T, line 2~. _ Suitable additional detergency bulfders for use heroin ere enumen~tsd in the Baskervilie patent, Column 13, line 54 through Column 18, line 16, and in -1J:S. Patent 4,863,071, Bush et al, issued May 5, 1987. _ Optional Process Steps Optionally, the process can comprise the step of spraying an additional binder in one or more than one of the first, second and/or the third mixers for the present invention. A binder is added for purposes of enhancing agglomeration by providing a "binding" or "sticking" agent for the detergent components. The binder is preferably selected from the group .cons~ting of water, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, liquid silicates, polyethylene glycol, Polyvinyl pyrrolidone polyaa~ylates, dtric sad and mixtures d~eroof. Other suitable binder materials including those listed herein aro described in Beerse et at, U.S.
Patent No. 5,108,1~!~8 (Procter & Gamble Co.). ~ _ Other optional steps contemplated by the presets process include scrvvning the oversi:ed detergent agglomerates in a screening apparatus which esn take a variety of forms including but not limited to co<wentional screens chosen for the desired parhde size of the finished detergent product Other optyonal steps include oondiRoning of the detergent agglomerates by subjecting the agglomerates to additional drying by way of apparatus discussed previously.
Another optional :tap in the process entails finishing the resuking detergent aggiomsrates by s variety of processes including spraying andlor admixing oth~r conventional detergent ingredients. For example, the finishing step encompaisses spraying perfumes, brightaners and enzymes onto the finished agglomerates to provide a more complete detergent composition. Such techniques and ingredients are welt known in the art.
Another optional step in the process involves surfactant paste structuring pra~ss, e.g.. harclening an aqueous anionic surfactant paste by incorporating a S paste-hardening material by using an extruder, prior to the pnxess of the present inrrenticn. The details of ~e surfactant paste stnrcturing process are disclosed in CA 2,268,057.
In order to make the pn,.sent invention more readily anderstood, reference is made to the following examples, which an: intended to be illustrative only and 10 not intended to be limiting in scope.
E)(AMPL.ES
EXatnQle 1:
The tolk~wing is an example for obtaining aggltes having high 15 density, using l6dige C8 mixer (CB-30), followed by Schu~i FX-t80 Mixsr.
Step 1J 250 - 270 kglhr of aqueous CFAS (coconut fatty alcohol suHaee surfactant) paste (C12-CAB, 71,5% active) is dispersed by the pin tools of s CB-mixer along with 220 kglhr of powdered STPP (mean particle size of 40 - 75 microns), 180 = 200 kg/hr of ground soda ash (mean particle size of 15 microns), 20 80- 120 kglhr of ground sodium sulfate (mean partlde size of 15 miaons), and the 200 kglhr of inbemal nscyde stream of powder. The surfactant paste is fed at about 40 to 52°C. and the powders are fed at room temperature. The condition of the CB-30 masr is as follows:
Mean residenos time : 10-1 ~ s~oonds 25 Tip.speed : 7.5 ~ 14 mls Energy oondltion : 0.5 - 4 kykg Mbcer speed : 550 . 900 rpm Jacket terrrpsraturo : 30°C .
IStaP 2) Ths agglomerates from the CB-30 mater are fed to tho Schugi 30 F7(-180 mixer. 30 kg/hr of HI.AS (an acid precursor of C11-C1g alkyl benzene sulfonate: 94 - 97% active) is dispersed as finely atomized liquid in the Schugi mixer at about 50 to 80°C. 20.80 kglhr of soda ash (mean particle size of about 10 - 20 microns) is added in the Schugi mixer. The condition of the Schugi mixer is as folkwra:
is Mean residence time : 0.2 - 5 seconds Tip speed : 16 - 26 mls Energy condition : 0.15 - 2 kj/kg Mixer speed : 2000 - 3200 rpm The resulting granules from the step 2 have a density of about 600g/1, and can be optionally subjected to the optional process of drying, cooling, sizing and/or grinding.
Example 2:
The following is an example for obtaining agglomerates having high density, using Lt3dige CB mixer (CB-30), followed by Schugi FX-160 Mixer, then LiSdige KM mixer (KM-600).
[Step 1] 15 kg/hr - 30kg/hr of HLAS (an acid precursor of C11-C1g alkyl benzene sulfonate; 95 % active) at about 50 °C, and 250 - 270 kg/hr of aqueous CFAS (coconut fatty alcohol sulfate surfactant) paste (C12-Clg, 70 % active) is dispersed by the pin tools of a CB-30 mixer along with 220 kg/hr of powdered STPP (mean particle size of 40 - 75 microns), 160 - 200 kg/hr of ground soda ash (mean particle size of 15 microns), 80- 120 kg/hr of ground sodium sulfate (mean particle size of 15 microns), and the 200 kg/hr of internal recycle stream of powder. The surfactant paste is fed at about 45 to 52°C, and the powders are fed at room temperature. The condition of the CB-30 mixer is as follows:
Mean residence time : 10-18 seconds Tip speed : 7.5 - 14 m/s Energy condition : 0.5 - 4 kj/kg Mixer speed : 550 - 900 rpm Jacket temperature : 30°C
[Step 2] The agglomerates from the CB-30 mixer are fed to the Schugi FX-160 mixer. 35 kg/hr of neutralized AE3S liquid (28 % active) is dispersed as finely atomized liquid in the Schugi mixer at about 30-40°C. 20-80 kg/hr of soda ash is added in the Schugi mixer. The condition of the Schugi mixer is as follows:
Mean residence time : 0.2 - 5 seconds Tip speed : 16 - 26 m/s Energy condition : 0.15 - 2 kj/kg Mixer speed : 2000 - 3200 rpm [Step 3] The agglomerates from the Schugi mixer are fed to the KM-600 mixer for further agglomeration, rounding and growth of agglomerates. 60 kg/hr of ground soda ash (mean particle size of 15 microns) is also added in the KM
mixer. Serrated plows are used as mixing elements in the KM mixer. Choppers for the KM mixer can be used to reduce the amount of oversized agglomerates.
The condition of the KM mixer is as follows:
Mean residence time : 3- 6 minutes Energy condition : 0.15 - 2 kj/kg Mixer speed : 100 - 150 rpm Jacket temperature: 30 - 40°C
The resulting granules from the step 3 have a density of about 700g/1, and can be optionally subjected to the optional process of cooling, drying, sizing an/or grinding.
Having thus described the invention in detail, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is described in the specification.

Claims (8)

1. A non-tower process for preparing a granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l, comprising the steps of:
(a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a first mixer wherein conditions of the mixer include (i) from about 2 to about 50 seconds of mean residence time, (ii) from about 4 to about 25 m/s of tip speed, and (iii) from about 0.15 to about 7 kj/kg of energy condition, wherein first agglomerates are formed;
(b) spraying finely atomized liquid onto the first agglomerates in a second mixer wherein conditions of the mixer include (i) from about 0.2 to about 5 seconds of mean residence time, (ii) from about 10 to about 30 m/s of tip speed, and (iii) from about 0.15 to about 5 kj/kg of energy condition, wherein second agglomerates are formed; and (c) thoroughly mixing the second agglomerates in a third mixer wherein conditions of the mixer include (i) from about 0.5 to about 15 minutes of mean residence time and (ii) from about 0.15 to about 7 kj/kg of energy condition.

2. A process according to claim 1 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, zwitterionic, ampholytic and mixtures thereof.

3. A process according to claim 1 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl alkoxy sulfates, alkyl ethoxylates, alkyl sulfates, coconut fatty alcohol sulfates and mixtures thereof.

4. The process according to claim 1 wherein excessive fine powder is formed in step (a), and wherein the excessive fine powder is added to step (b).

5. A process according to claim 1 wherein an aqueous or non-aqueous polymer solution is dispersed with said surfactant in step (a).

6. A process according to claim 1 wherein the fine powder is selected from the group consisting of soda ash, powdered sodium tripolyphosphate, hydrated tripolyphosphate, sodium sulphates, aluminosilicates, crystalline layered silicates, phosphates, precipitated silicates, polymers, carbonates, citrates, nitrilotriacetates, powdered surfactants and mixtures thereof.

7. A process according to claim 1 wherein the finely atomized liquid is selected from the group consisting of liquid silicates, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, aqueous polymer solutions, non-aqueous polymer solutions, water and mixtures thereof.

8. A process according to claim 1 wherein the process is a continuous process, wherein the resultant from step (c) is further subjected to cooling and/
or drying step, wherein the step creates an internal recycle stream of powder, wherein the internal recycle stream of powder is further added to step (a).