DE10258011A1 - Dry neutralization process - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for the production of surfactant granules by neutralizing anionic surfactant acids and, if appropriate, further acidic components with solid neutralizing agents, in which the anionic surfactant acid (s) and the solid neutralizing agent (s) are agglomerated in a free-fall mixer and optionally subsequently processed, the solid neutralizing agents comprising sodium carbonate , which reacts at least partially to sodium bicarbonate and the ratio of the proportions by weight of sodium carbonate to sodium bicarbonate in the end products of the process is 5: 1 or more, are particularly inexpensive because of the low energy consumption and because of the content of sodium bicarbonate in the reaction products.

Description

The present invention relates to a process for the production of surfactant granules. It affects in particular a process which allows easily soluble surfactant granules or detergent and cleaning agent compositions cost-optimized manufacture.

Although the economic synthesis state of the art of light-colored anionic surfactants Knowing is occurring in the manufacture and processing of such Surfactants have application problems. This is how the anionic surfactants fall in the course of the manufacturing process in its acid form on and must be converted into their alkali or alkaline earth metal salts using suitable neutralizing agents.

This neutralization step can with solutions of alkali hydroxides or with solid alkaline substances, especially sodium carbonate. With neutralization with aqueous alkalis the surfactant salts fall in the form of aqueous preparation forms at, water contents in the range of about 10 to 80 wt .-% and are adjustable in particular in the range from about 35 to 60% by weight. Products of this type are pasty at room temperature cuttable Consistency, the flow and pumpability such pastes already in the range of about 50 wt .-% active substance limited is or is even lost, so that during further processing such pastes, especially when incorporated into solid mixtures, for example in solid detergents and cleaning agents, considerable Problems arise. Accordingly, it is an old anionic need Detergent surfactants in dry, especially free-flowing form to disposal to be able to ask. Indeed also succeeds, according to conventional Drying technology, for example in the spray tower, free-flowing anionic surfactant powder or granules, especially those of fatty alcohol sulfates (FAS) to get. However, there are serious restrictions here, since the preparations obtained are often hygroscopic, with water absorption clump out of the air during storage and also in the finished detergent product tend to clump together. Due to the necessarily high water content the one in the spray tower Processed pastes are the energy used in such spray processes comparatively high.

An alternative to spray drying The granulation represents surfactant pastes. Also in the patent literature there is a broad state of the art for non-tower production of detergents and cleaning agents. Many of these procedures start from the acid form of anionic surfactants, since this class of surfactants quantitatively largest part of washing-active substances and the anionic surfactants in the course their production in the form of free acids, which correspond to the corresponding Salt must be neutralized.

This is how the European patent application describes EP-A-0 678 573 (Procter & Gamble) a process for the production of free-flowing surfactant granules with bulk densities above 600 g / l, in which anionic surfactant acids are reacted with an excess of neutralizing agent to form a paste with at least 40% by weight surfactant and this paste is mixed with one or more powders (n ), at least one of which must be spray-dried and contains the anionic polymer and cationic surfactant, is mixed, the resulting granules optionally being able to be dried. Although this document reduces the proportion of spray-dried granules in the detergents and cleaning agents, it does not completely avoid spray drying.

The European patent application EP-A-0 438 320 (Unilever) discloses a batch process for the production of surfactant granules with bulk densities above 650 g / l. Anionic surfactant acid is added to a solution of an alkaline inorganic substance in water, possibly with the addition of other solids, and granulated in a high-speed mixer / granulator with a liquid binder. Neutralization and granulation take place in the same apparatus, but in separate process steps, so that the process can only be operated in batches.

From the European patent application EP-A-0 402 112 (Procter & Gamble) a continuous neutralization / granulation process for the production of FAS and / or ABS granules from the acid is known, in which the ABS acid neutralizes with at least 62% NaOH and then with the addition of auxiliaries, for example ethoxylated alcohols or alkylphenols or a polyethylene glycol melting above 48.9 ° C with a molecular weight between 4000 and 50,000 is granulated.

The European patent application EP-A-0 508 543 (Procter & Gamble) calls a process in which a surfactant acid is neutralized with an excess of alkali to form an at least 40% by weight surfactant paste, which is then conditioned and granulated, with direct cooling using dry ice or liquid nitrogen.

Dry neutralization processes in which sulfonic acids are neutralized and granulated are in the EP 555 622 (Procter & Gamble). According to the teaching of this document, the anionic surfactant acids are neutralized in a high-speed mixer by an excess of finely divided neutralizing agent with an average particle size of less than 5 μm.

A similar process that too is carried out in a high-speed mixer and is based on 2 up to 20 μm Ground sodium carbonate is used as a neutralizing agent in WO 98120104 (Procter & Gamble) described.

Surfactant mixtures which are subsequently sprayed onto solid absorbents and provide detergent compositions or components therefor are also used in the EP 265 203 (Unilever). The liquid surfactant mixtures disclosed in this document contain sodium or potassium salts of alkylbenzenesulfonic acids or alkylsulfuric acids in amounts of up to 80% by weight, ethoxylated nonionic surfactants in amounts of up to 80% by weight and a maximum of 10% by weight of water.

Similar surfactant mixtures are also used in the older ones EP 211 493 (Unilever) revealed. According to the teaching of this document, the surfactant mixtures to be sprayed on contain between 40 and 92% by weight of a surfactant mixture and more than 8 to a maximum of 60% by weight of water. The surfactant mixture in turn consists of at least 50% polyalkoxylated nonionic surfactants and ionic surfactants.

A process for the production of a liquid surfactant mixture from the three components anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant and water is described in US Pat EP 507 402 (Unilever). The surfactant mixtures disclosed here, which are said to contain little water, are prepared by combining equimolar amounts of neutralizing agent and anionic surfactant acid in the presence of nonionic surfactant.

The German publication DE-A-42 32 874 (Henkel KGaA) discloses a process for producing washable and cleaning-active anionic surfactant granules by neutralizing anionic surfactants in their acid form. Solid, powdery substances, in particular sodium carbonate, are disclosed as neutralizing agents, which react with the anionic surfactant acids to form anionic surfactant, carbon dioxide and water. The granules obtained have surfactant contents of around 30% by weight and bulk densities of less than 550 g / l.

The European patent application EP 642 576 (Henkel KGaA) describes a two-stage granulation in two consecutive mixers / granulators, in a first, low-speed granulator 40-100% by weight, based on the total amount of the components used, of the solid and liquid components, and in a second, high-speed granulator, the pre-granules are mixed with the remaining constituents, if necessary, and converted into granules.

In the European patent specification EP 772 674 (Henkel KGaA) describes a process for the production of surfactant granules by spray drying in which anionic surfactant acid (s) and highly concentrated alkaline solutions are separately charged with a gaseous medium and mixed in a multi-component nozzle, neutralized and spray-dried by spraying into a hot gas stream. The finely divided surfactant particles obtained in this way are then agglomerated in a mixer to give granules with bulk densities above 400 g / l.

The German publication DE-A-43 14 885 (Süd-Chemie) discloses a process for the production of washable and cleaning-active anionic surfactant granules by neutralizing the acid form of anionic surfactants with a basic compound, the hydrolysis-sensitive acid form of a hydrolysis-sensitive anionic surfactant being reacted with the neutralizing agent without the release of water. Sodium carbonate is preferably used as the neutralizing agent, which reacts to sodium hydrogen carbonate in this process.

The present invention was now the task of providing a continuous process, that allows washing and cleaning agents without or with reduced Use of spray drying steps manufacture. Furthermore, compared to the prior art disclosed methods, further cost optimization can be achieved. The procedure to be provided should also be direct and economically attractive processing of the acid forms of detergent raw materials enable, the disadvantage of energy-intensive water evaporation or use energy-intensive high-speed mixer or high-shear mixer but avoid as much as possible. The bulk weights of those to be manufactured Granules should be able to be varied within wide limits, whereby it was a particular object of the present invention, also with The low bulk weights with the help of a non-tower process conventional Spray drying products to be able to achieve. Through a targeted procedure should make it possible in particular be that the End products that can be produced by processes from the prior art Superior products , in particular the bulk density of the end products should the conduct of the procedure be adjustable. Furthermore, the end products of the process according to the invention high solubility exhibit.

It has now been found to be easy soluble Surfactant granules with varying bulk density and excellent solubility can be produced if the reaction of the anionic surfactants with the neutralizing agent sodium carbonate in a free fall mixer he follows. By using a free-fall mixer, not just the bulk weights the reaction products vary specifically, but the reaction can also led in a targeted manner be that sodium carbonate used at least partially white to sodium hydrogen carbonate responding. The resulting reaction products are characterized a certain carbonate / hydrogen carbonate ratio.

The present invention relates to a process for the production of surfactant granules by neutralizing anionic surfactant acids and, if appropriate, further acidic components with solid neutralizing agents, in which the anionic surfactant acid (s) and the solid neutralizing agent (s) are agglomerated in a free-fall mixer and, if appropriate, subsequently processed , characterized in that the solid neutralizing agents comprise sodium carbonate, which reacts at least in part to form sodium bicarbonate, the end products of the process having at least five parts by weight of sodium carbonate for each part by weight of sodium bicarbonate.

Characteristic of the method according to the invention is the use of free fall mixers to carry out dry neutralization of anionic surfactant acids with sodium carbonate. As a free-fall mixer within the scope of the present Invention referred to such mixer, in which the mix through Wall friction is raised and then due to its own gravity falls freely through the mixer room. such Free fall mixers have a moving mixing container. Suitable as a container those with simple geometric shapes (cylinders, simple or double cone, cubes etc.). Preferred mixing containers have moreover, if possible obtuse-angled inner corners, as this means that both the free Movement of the mix as well as emptying and cleaning the container is facilitated after the end of the procedure. The movement of the container must so transferred to the mix inside the existence irregular jumble as possible and loosening of the reaction mixture takes place. Furthermore must at the continuous according to the invention Process a directional motion component occur around the continuous To ensure mass transport. As movement types for the free-fall mixer is particularly suitable for rotating one container axis (Drum or rotary tube mixer) or around axes that are not geometrical Axes of the container match or are perpendicular to its planes of symmetry (tumble mixer), or vibrating, preferably with high amplitude and low frequency as well as changing directions of the rashes, so the irregularly shaking or wobbling movements.

Within the scope of the present invention preferred free-fall mixers are drum mixers, tumble mixers, cone mixers, Double cone mixer or V mixer. The used according to the invention Free fall mixers provide for rotating or tumbling movements the goods carried up inside and falling again sloping walls and thus redirection, expansion or narrowing of space, displacement and division of the crop flow. Such mixers can have fixed internals for better Loosening of the mix (e.g. lifting bars), preferred However, mixers are different from those customary in the prior art High or low speed mixer no mixing or cutting tools on.

In the used according to the invention Free fall mixers are mixers which are characterized by a mark moving or rotating reactor housing or a moving mixing vessel. such Reactors can furthermore have static and / or movable mixing and / or cutting tools. However, rotating reactors in which the mixed material is preferred is lifted up by wall friction and then due to its own gravity falls freely through the mixer room. As a container such a free fall mixer are those with simple geometric shapes (cylinders, single or double cones, cubes, etc.). preferred mixing tank also point out if possible obtuse-angled inner corners, as this means that both the free Movement of the mix as well as emptying and cleaning the container is facilitated after the end of the procedure. The movement of the Container is transferred preferably so on the mix in the interior that a possible irregular jumble and The reaction mixture is loosened. It also occurs at preferred continuous according to the invention Process a directional motion component to the continuous To ensure mass transport. As movement types for the free-fall mixer is particularly suitable for rotating one container axis (Drum or rotary tube mixer) or around axes that are not geometrical Axes of the container match or are perpendicular to its planes of symmetry (tumble mixer), or vibrating, preferably with high amplitude and low frequency as well as changing directions of the rashes, so the irregularly shaking or wobbling movements.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention forms the solid neutralizing agent moved in the free-fall mixer a falling powder curtain on which the anionic surfactant acids are sprayed.

Methods according to the invention are particularly preferred, in which as a free fall mixer double cone mixer with rotating container without mixing tools, the double cone mixer in a mixing zone and a post-mixing zone are divided and a tee bar have, which is attached to an end plate and from there crosses the entire mixing zone and optionally into the post-mixing zone extends. In the particularly preferably used according to the invention Double cone mixers The relationship the length the mixing zone to length the post-mixing zone is preferably at least 1: 1.

The tee can be a width from 50 to 150 mm, preferably from 75 to 130 mm. The upper edge of the tee has a distance to the inner Mixer wall, which is preferably a maximum of 10% of the drum diameter the narrowest point of the rotatable container, preferably a maximum of 5% the narrowest part of the rotatable container and in particular less than 2.5% of the narrowest part of the rotatable container. In the post-mixing zone can be the distance to the closest inner mixer wall may be larger than in the mixing zone; Values between 100 and 300 mm are quite common.

For continuous operation is particularly such free fall mixers particularly suitable for their horizontal, preferably their rotate less inclined axis. Due to the inclination of the axis of rotation the mix has a directional movement due to its own gravity on which a continuous discharge of the mix from the Mixer enables. Such a directional movement can be caused by the inclination of the axis of rotation Of course also through a continuous introduction of anionic surfactant acids and solid neutralizing agent. For the product properties, especially for the adjustment of the bulk weight and solubility of the reaction products, it has proven to be advantageous if the angle of inclination of the axis of rotation of a preferred one rotatable container correlated with a certain number of revolutions. It will therefore such methods of the invention particularly preferred in which the rotatable container of the free-fall mixer one Inclination angle α of 0 to 20 °, in particular from 0 to 15 °, very particularly preferably has from 1 to 15 ° and the movement of the rotatable container of the free fall mixer the drive simultaneously at 20 to 70 revolutions per minute and in particular is set to 30 to 60 revolutions per minute.

The residence time of the reaction mixture in the rotatable container is in preferred embodiments of the present method preferably less than 20 minutes, preferably between 1 and 600 Seconds, particularly preferably between 1 and 300 seconds and in particular between 1 and 120 seconds.

After passing through the post-mixing zone the finished product can either be discharged directly via the discharge or about a conveyor be further processed, with further powders, in particular Surface modifiers of the well-known kind about a solid feed can be added. The aftertreatment of the process products after discharge from the Free fall mixer on a reaction line is a special feature preferred embodiments the present process according to the invention, such process variants are particularly preferred be, where the reaction path is a pneumatic Fluidized bed and / or a conveyor belt and / or around a mixer is. Leads this funding and dosing screw into the post-mixing zone (possible also a direct connection to the conveyor to the discharge unit), it is preferred that the screw is only maximal in the second half of the Post-mixing zone and thus does not protrude into the part of the post-mixing zone, which still contains the tee.

As a powdering agent or surface modifier can all known, finely divided representatives of this group used become. Amorphous and / or crystalline aluminosilicates are preferred, such as zeolite A, X and / or P, various types of silicas, calcium stearate, Carbonates, sulfates, but also fine-particle compounds, for example made of amorphous silicates and carbonates.

In the dry neutralization process according to the invention, anionic surfactant acids are reacted with solid neutralizing agents, which at least partially comprise sodium carbonate. Suitable anionic surfactant acids for this process are in principle all anionic surfactant acids known to those skilled in the art. In preferred embodiments of the process according to the invention, anionic surfactant acid (s) are one or more substances) from the group of the carboxylic acids, the sulfuric acid half-esters and the sulfonic acids, preferably from the group of the fatty acids, the fatty alkyl sulfuric acids and the alkylarylsulfonic acids, in particular from the group of C. _8-16 -, especially the C _9-13 alkylbenzenesulfonic acids used. These are described below.

To have sufficient surface active To have properties, the compounds mentioned should have long-chain Hydrocarbon residues, thus have at least 6 carbon atoms in the alkyl or alkenyl radical. Usually the C chain distributions of the anionic surfactants are in the range of 6 to 40, preferably 8 to 30 and in particular 12 to 22 carbon atoms.

Carboxylic acids, which are used as soaps in detergents and cleaning agents in the form of their alkali metal salts, are technically largely obtained from native fats and oils by hydrolysis. While the alkaline saponification that was carried out in the past century led directly to the alkali salts (soaps), only water is used on an industrial scale to split the fats into glycerol and the free fatty acids. Large-scale processes are, for example, cleavage in car claws or continuous high-pressure cleavage. Carboxylic acids which can be used as an anionic surfactant in acid form in the context of the present invention are, for example, hexanoic acid (caproic acid), heptanoic acid (enanthic acid), octanoic acid (caprylic acid), nonanoic acid (pelargonic acid), decanoic acid (capric acid), undecanoic acid, etc. The preferred compound in the context of the present compound is Use of fatty acids such as dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), eicosanoic acid (arachic acid), docosanoic acid (behenic acid), tetracosanoic acid (lignoceric acid), triacidic acid (melotinic acid), triacidic acid (melotonic acid), and melonic acid unsaturated species 9c-hexadecenoic acid (palmitoleic acid), 6c-octadecenoic acid (petroselinic acid), 6t-octadecenoic acid (petroselaidic acid), 9c-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid), 9t-octadecenoic acid ((elaidic acid), 9c, 12c-octadecenoic acid) (9c -Octadecadienoic acid (linolaidic acid) and 9c, 12c, 15c-octadecatreic acid ( Linolenic acid) For reasons of cost, it is preferred not to use the pure species, but rather technical mixtures of the individual Acids that are accessible from fat cleavage. Such mixtures are for example, coconut oil fatty acid (about 6 wt .-% C _8, 6 wt .-% C ₁₀ 48 wt .-% C ₁₂ 18 wt .-% _C14, 10 wt .-% C _16, 2 wt .-% _C18, 8 wt .-% _{C18 ',} 1 wt .-% C _18''), palm kernel oil fatty acid (about 4 wt .-% C _8, 5 wt .-% C _10, 50 wt _12% C, 15 wt .-% C _14, 7 wt .-% C _16, 2 wt .-% C ₁₈ 15 wt .-% _{C18 ',} 1 wt .-% C _18''), tallow ( approx. 3 wt% C ₁₄ , 26 wt% C ₁₆ , 2 wt% C _{16 '} , 2 wt% C ₁₇ , 17 wt% C ₁₈ , 44 wt% C _18' , 3 wt% C _{18 ''} , 1 wt% C _{18 '''} ), hardened tallow fatty acid (approx. 2 wt% C ₁₄ , 28 wt% C ₁₆ , 2 wt% C _17, 63% C ₁₈ wt., 1 wt .-% C _{18 '),} technical grade oleic acid (about 1 wt.% C _12, 3 wt .-% C _14, 5 wt .-% C _16, 6 wt. % C _{16 '} , 1% by weight C ₁₇ , 2% by weight C ₁₈ , 70% by weight C _18' , 10% by weight C _{18 ''} , 0.5% by weight C _{18 '''} ), technical palmitin / stearic acid (approx. 1 wt% C ₁₂ , 2 wt% C ₁₄ , 45 wt% C ₁₆ , 2 wt% C ₁₇ , 47 wt% C ₁₈ , 1% by weight C _{18 '} ) and soybean oil fatty acid (approx. 2% by weight C ₁₄ , 15 % By weight C ₁₆ , 5% by weight C ₁₈ , 25% by weight C _{18 '} , 45% by weight C _18'' , 7% by weight C _18''' ).

Sulfuric acid semiesters of longer-chain alcohols are also anionic surfactants in their acid form and can be used in the process according to the invention. Their alkali metal salts, especially sodium salts, the fatty alcohol sulfates, are commercially available from fatty alcohols which are reacted with sulfuric acid, chlorosulfonic acid, amidosulfonic acid or sulfur trioxide to give the alkyl sulfuric acids concerned and are subsequently neutralized. The fatty alcohols are obtained from the fatty acids or fatty acid mixtures concerned by high-pressure hydrogenation of the fatty acid methyl esters. In terms of quantity, the most important industrial process for the production of fatty alkyl sulfuric acids is the sulfonation of the alcohols with SO ₃ / air mixtures in special cascade, falling film or tube bundle reactors.

Another class of anionic surfactant acids that in the method according to the invention can be used are the alkyl ether sulfuric acids whose Salts, the alkyl ether sulfates, differ in comparison to the alkyl sulfates by a higher one Water and lower sensitivity to water hardness (solubility of the Ca salts). Alkyl become like the alkyl sulfuric acids synthesized from fatty alcohols, which with ethylene oxide to the concerned Fatty alcohol ethoxylates are implemented. Instead of ethylene oxide propylene oxide can also be used. The subsequent sulfonation with gaseous sulfur trioxide in short tent sulfation reactors yields over 98% of the concerned Alkyl ether.

Alkanesulfonic acids and olefin sulfonic acids are also in the context of the present invention as anionic surfactants in acid form used. alkanesulfonic can the sulfonic acid group terminal bound (primary alkane sulfonic acids) or contain along the C chain (secondary alkanesulfonic acids), where only the secondary ones alkanesulfonic have commercial importance. These are by sulfochlorination or Sulfoxidation of linear hydrocarbons produced. In sulfochlorination according to Reed, n-paraffins with sulfur dioxide and chlorine under irradiation with UV light to the corresponding Sulfochlorides implemented directly in hydrolysis with alkalis the alkanesulfonates, when reacted with water, the alkanesulfonic acids. Because in the sulfochlorination, di- and polysulfochlorides as well as chlorinated hydrocarbons can occur as by-products of the radical reaction the reaction usually only carried out up to degrees of implementation of 30% and then canceled.

Another process for making alkanesulfonic acids is sulfoxidation, in the case of n-paraffins under irradiation with UV light with sulfur dioxide and oxygen be implemented. This radical reaction occurs successively Alkylsulfonyl radicals that add oxygen to the alkylpersulfonyl radicals continue to respond. The reaction with unreacted paraffin provides an alkyl radical and the alkyl persulfonic acid, which are converted into an alkyl peroxysulfonyl radical and a hydroxyl radical breaks down. The reaction of the two radicals with unreacted paraffin provides the alkyl sulfonic acids or water, which reacts with alkyl persulfonic acid and sulfur dioxide to form sulfuric acid. To the yield of the two end products alkyl sulfonic acid and Sulfuric acid if possible To keep high and suppress side reactions, this reaction is usually only carried out up to degrees of implementation of 1% and then terminated.

Olefin sulfonates are becoming technical by reaction of α-olefins made with sulfur dioxide. Intermediate hermaphrodites form which cyclize into so-called sultons. Under suitable conditions (alkaline or acidic hydrolysis) these sultones react to hydroxylalkanesulfonic acids or alkensulfonic acids both also as anionic surfactant acids can be used.

Alkylbenzenesulfonates as powerful Anionic surfactants have been around since the 1930s known. At that time, monochlorination of kogasin fractions and subsequent ones Friedel-Crafts alkylation alkylbenzenes made with oleum sulfonated and neutralized with sodium hydroxide solution. beginning of fifties Years have passed to the production of alkylbenzenesulfonates propylene branched α-dodecylene tetramerized and the product over a Friedel-Crafts reaction using aluminum trichloride or hydrofluoric acid converted to tetrapropylene benzene, the following sulfonated and neutralized. This economic opportunity the production of tetrapropylene benzene sulfonates (TPS) led to Breakthrough of this class of surfactants, which subsequently the soaps as the main surfactant displaced in detergents and cleaning agents.

Due to the lack of biodegradability of TPS, there was a need to prepare new alkylbenzenesulfonates that are characterized by improved ecological behavior. This he requirements are met by linear alkylbenzenesulfonates, which today are almost exclusively alkylbenzenesulfonates and are given the abbreviation ABS.

Linear alkylbenzenesulfonates are made from linear alkylbenzenes, which in turn from linear Olefins accessible are. This will be on an industrial scale Petroleum fractions with molecular sieves into the n-paraffins of the desired Purity separated and dehydrated to the n-olefins, with both α- and i-olefins result. The resulting olefins then become more acidic in the presence Catalysts reacted with benzene to the alkylbenzenes, the Choice of the Friedel-Crafts catalyst has an impact on the Isomer distribution of the resulting linear alkylbenzenes has: The use of aluminum trichloride is the content of the 2-phenyl isomers in the mixture with the 3, 4, 5 and other isomers at approx. 30 % By weight, however, hydrogen fluoride is used as a catalyst, let yourself reduce the 2-phenyl isomer content to approx. 20% by weight. The sulfonation The linear alkylbenzenes finally succeed on an industrial scale with oleum, sulfuric acid or gaseous Sulfur trioxide, the latter being by far the most important. For sulfonation special film or tube bundle reactors are used, which deliver as a product a 97 wt .-% alkylbenzenesulfonic acid (ABSS), which in Within the scope of the present invention it can be used as anionic surfactant acid.

in der die Summe aus x und y üblicherweise zwischen 5 und 13 liegt. Erfindungsgemäße Verfahren, in denen als Aniontensid in Säureform C_8–16-, vorzugsweise C_9–13- Alkylbenzolsulfonsäuren eingesetzt werden, sind bevorzugt. Es ist im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung weiterhin bevorzugt, C_8–16-, vorzugsweise C_9–13-Alkybenzolsulfonsäuren einzusetzen, die sich von Alkylbenzolen ableiten, welche einen Tetralingehalt unter 5 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das Alkylbenzol, aufweisen. Weiterhin bevorzugt ist es, Alkylbenzolsulfonsäuren zu verwenden, deren Alkylbenzole nach dem HF-Verfahren hergestellt wurden, so daß die eingesetzten C_8–16-, vorzugsweise C_9–13-Alkybenzolsulfonsäuren einen Gehalt an 2-Phenyl-Isomer unter 22 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Alkylbenzolsulfonsäure, aufweisen.By choosing the neutralizing agent, a wide variety of salts, ie alkylbenzenesulfonates, can be obtained from the ABSS. For reasons of economy, it is preferred to prepare and use the alkali metal salts and, among them, the sodium salts of the ABSS. These can be described by the general formula I:

in which the sum of x and y is usually between 5 and 13. Processes according to the invention in which C _8-16 -, preferably C _9-13 - alkylbenzenesulfonic acids are used as the anionic surfactant are preferred. In the context of the present invention, it is further preferred to use C _8-16 , preferably C _9-13 alkylbenzenesulfonic acids which are derived from alkylbenzenes which have a tetralin content below 5% by weight, based on the alkylbenzene. It is further preferred to use alkylbenzenesulfonic acids whose alkylbenzenes have been prepared by the HF process, so that the C _8-16 -, preferably C _9-13- alkylbenzenesulfonic acids used have a 2-phenyl isomer content of less than 22% by weight , based on the alkylbenzenesulfonic acid.

The anionic surfactants mentioned above in its acid form can alone or in a mixture with one another in the process according to the invention be used. However, it is also possible and preferred that the anionic surfactant in acid form before adding to the solid neutralizing agent (s), further, preferably acidic, ingredients of detergents and cleaning agents in amounts from 0.1 to 40% by weight, preferably from 1 to 15% by weight and in particular from 2 to 10% by weight, in each case based on the weight the anionic surfactant-containing Mix, to be mixed.

Suitable as acidic reactants within the scope of the present extension, in addition to the “surfactant acids”, the aforementioned ones fatty acids, phosphonic, polymer acids or partially neutralized polymer acids as well as "builder acids" and "complex builder acids" alone as well as in any mixtures. As ingredients in washing and cleaning agents; that of anionic surfactant acid before foaming can be added acidic detergent and cleaning agent ingredients are particularly suitable on, for example phosphonic acids, which in neutralized Form (phosphonates) as incrustation inhibitors part of many Detergents and cleaning agents are. The use of (partially neutralized) polymer acids such as polyacrylic acids, is possible according to the invention. It is also possible acid-stable Mix ingredients with the anionic surfactant acid. Bid here so-called small components, for example, which are otherwise found in complex additional steps would have to be added, that is For example, optical brighteners, dyes, etc., in individual cases acid stability is to be checked.

Nonionic surfactants are preferred for the anionic surfactant in acid form in amounts of 0.1 to 40% by weight, preferably 1 to 15% by weight and in particular 2 to 10% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the anionic surfactant-containing Mixture, mixed. This addition can improve the physical properties of the mixture containing anionic surfactant acid and make subsequent incorporation of nonionic surfactants into the surfactant granules or the entire detergent and cleaning agent unnecessary. The below Different representatives from the group of nonionic surfactants are described below.

Regardless of whether a single anionic surfactant or more anionic surfactant acids - if appropriate in a mixture with other acidic or acid-stable ingredients - on the solid neutralizing agent or the mixture of several solids is or are given, it is preferred that the temperature of the to be abandoned Mix if possible is low. Processes according to the invention are preferred here in which the liquid, acid component when entering the free fall mixer a temperature from 20 to 60 ° C, preferably from 30 to 55 ° C and especially from 40 to 50 ° C having. By complying with these temperature specifications, it is at a given ratio of anionic surfactant acid to sodium carbonate in particular possible, the proportion of the process products to control sodium bicarbonate. The anionic surfactant acid, which is the "liquid, acidic component", optionally includes other acidic components.

When carrying out the process according to the invention, the reaction between anionic surfactant acid (s) and sodium carbonate is carried out in such a way that the reaction Na ₂ CO ₃ + 2 anionic surfactant-H → 2 anionic surfactant-Na + CO ₂ + H ₂ O is largely suppressed and in its place the reaction Na ₂ CO ₃ + anionic surfactant-H → anionic surfactant-Na + NaHCO ₃ entry. The sodium carbonate is used in excess, so that unreacted sodium carbonate remains in the product, while sodium bicarbonate is additionally formed in the reaction. The amount of sodium carbonate on average (based on the agent, without taking into account any hydrate water content that may be present) is related to the amount of sodium bicarbonate on average (based on the agent, without taking into account any hydrate water content that may be present) and must be 5: 1 or more according to the invention. In other words, according to the invention, at least 5 grams of Na ₂ CO _{3 are} contained per gram of the NaHCO ₃ contained in the process products.

In preferred embodiments The present invention is based on the mass ratio of sodium carbonate Sodium bicarbonate within narrow limits, with preferred according to the invention Procedure the weight ratio from sodium carbonate to sodium hydrogen carbonate in the process end products 50: 1 to 5: 1, preferably 40: 1 to 5.1: 1, particularly preferably 35: 1 to 5.2: 1 and in particular 30: 1 to 5.25: 1.

Depending on the used Amounts of sodium carbonate and anionic surfactant acid (s) can be the content of agents according to the invention of sodium bicarbonate vary. In preferred methods according to the invention is the content of sodium bicarbonate in the end products of the process 0.01 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 15% by weight, particularly preferably 0.5 to 10 wt .-% and in particular 1 to 10 wt .-%, each based on the total weight of the process end products. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is the content of sodium bicarbonate in the end products of the process between 2 and 10% by weight, preferably between 2.5 and 10% by weight, particularly preferably between 3 and 10% by weight and in particular between 4 and 10 wt%.

The neutralized form of anionic surfactant acids, in short the anionic surfactants, can also in varying amounts in the process according to the invention manufactured agents may be included. All come here as anionic surfactant acids Acids known from the prior art. These were detailed above described. Preferred methods according to the invention stand out characterized in that the Maximum of neutralized anionic surfactant acids in the process products 50% by weight, preferably 8 to 42% by weight, particularly preferably 10 is up to 35% by weight and in particular 15 to 25% by weight.

The according to the inventive method manufactured means can dependent on on the content of the individual ingredients and other process parameters different bulk weights exhibit. Methods according to the invention are preferred in which the bulk weight of the process end products 300 to 800 g / L, preferably 330 to 650 g / L, particularly preferably 350 to 550 g / L and in particular 400 to 500 is g / L.

The process products of processes preferred according to the invention furthermore have a grain size distribution with an average grain size d ₅₀ below 5000 μm, preferably between 20 and 3000 μm, particularly preferably between 40 and 2000 μm and in particular between 50 and 1600 μm.

The process end products of the process according to the invention are preferably low in water and are preferably characterized by Water content, determined by loss of drying at 120 ° C, of less than 15% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, particularly preferred less than 5% by weight and in particular less than 2.5% by weight, each based on the total weight of the process end products after exiting the free-fall mixer.

The agents according to the invention can be prepared by contacting the reactants intimate contact to avoid local acidic nests and possible overheating and discoloration. As previously stated, the neutralization reaction between the aniotensidic acid (s) and the sodium carbonate is carried out so that the formation of water and carbon dioxide is suppressed and the formation of sodium hydrogen carbonate is promoted.

The water content of the process end products, determined by loss of drying at 120 ° C, is <15 wt .-%, preferably <10 wt .-%, particularly according to the invention preferably <5% by weight and in particular <2.5 Wt .-%. In general, the low-water procedure is for warranty the desired reaction preferred to sodium bicarbonate. The raw materials used should therefore be as dry as possible, dried or used with little water. With the anionic surfactant acids preferred according to the invention preferably to choose high concentrations as long as the technical procedure (moving the anionic surfactant acid and Application on the sodium carbonate) guaranteed perfectly is.

Another way of forming Favor sodium bicarbonate and to avoid the formation of carbon dioxide and water in compliance if possible lower temperatures. This can be done, for example, by cooling, however also through a suitable procedure or the coordination of the Amounts of the reactants can be achieved. Here are methods according to the invention preferred at which the temperature during the process is below from 100 ° C, preferably below 80 ° C, particularly preferably below 60 ° C. and in particular below from 50 ° C, is held.

The reaction lies in the method according to the invention of anionic surfactant acids with solid neutralizing agents. In the simplest case are only anionic surfactant and sodium carbonate reacted with each other. But it can the reaction mixture may also contain other substances which may or may not be involved in the reaction. This reactive or inert substances either the sodium carbonate or the anionic surfactant acid (s) were admixed before the reaction become; alternatively can Both reactants also contain other reactive or inert ingredients contain.

It is within the scope of the present Invention preferred, the sodium carbonate other ingredients, especially other preferably solid neutralizing agents and / or Support materials admix. This mixture forms the solid bed on which the Anionic surfactant acid (s) - if appropriate in a mixture with other substances - is / are abandoned. So can the sodium carbonate, for example, further neutralizing agents are admixed, solid neutralizing agents being preferred. Aqueous solutions from Neutralizing agents (especially alkalis) can also affect the sodium carbonate be applied as long as the overall water balance of the process (the water content of the process end products) does not exceed the beyond the limits mentioned. The is therefore preferred Use of water-poor or even -free raw materials. Particularly preferred are methods according to the invention, where the solid neutralizing agent also contains one or more substances from the group sodium hydroxide, sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium hydroxide and / or include potassium carbonate.

Alternatively or in addition to the addition of other solid neutralizing agents can Sodium carbonate also carriers not participating in the reaction be added. These should then be sufficiently stable towards the added acids have local decomposition and thus undesirable discoloration or other stress to avoid the product. Processes are preferred here in which the solid bed further solids from the groups of the silicates, Contains aluminum silicates, sulfates, citrates and / or phosphates. In particular it is preferred that sodium sulfate, still in some countries today up to 45% by weight is contained in the detergents, the solid Neutralizing agents are added.

In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the end products of the process are aftertreated after discharge from the free-fall mixer. This aftertreatment preferably takes place in a pneumatic fluidized bed. In the preferred pneumatic fluidized bed apparatuses, the movement of the mixture components is generated by blowing air into the initially stationary mixture. These fluidized bed apparatuses can be operated continuously and discontinuously. The air is preferably blown through the perforated porous base. The bulk density of the partially granulated mixture as it enters the pneumatic fluidized bed is preferably between 300 to 800 g / L, preferably 330 to 650 g / L, particularly preferably 350 to 550 g / L and in particular 400 to 500 g / L. The air enters through the porous bottom preferably at least the loosening rate. From the initial fixed bed, the fluidized bed is created, the fluidized bed, which, due to the easy mobility of the particles, has contininum properties similar to a liquid. The mix is preferably almost non-cohesive. Depending on the fineness of the mix, intensive mixing is only possible at 2 to 6 times the loosening speed; Gas inflow velocities which are at least 2 times, preferably at least 4 times, particularly preferably at least 6 times and in particular at least 8 times the loosening rate are therefore preferred in the process according to the invention. The loosening speed w _L can be the equilibrium of forces between the weight F _{g of} the bed and the pressure force F _P - the pressure drop Δ _p multiplied by the base area A across the flow-through layer - with the aid of the Ergun equation be counted. The result is: W L = 42.9 · (1 - ε L ) · Ν / d p · {(1 + 3.11 · 10 -4 [ε L 3 / (1 - ε L ) 2 ] * G * d p 3 · [Ρ s / ρ f ] / Ν 2 ) 0.5 - 1}

Where ε _{L are} the porosity of the layer before loosening,
ν the kinematic viscosity of the air,
d _p the Sauter diameter d _{32 of} the particles in the layer
ρ _s , ρ _f The solids or air density

• – zu Beginn der Wirbelschicht Luft mit einer Temperatur gleich oder unterhalb der Außentemperatur eingesetzt wird, während die Temperatur der einströmenden Luft im weiteren Verlauf auf Werte oberhalb der Außentemperatur steigt;
• – zu Beginn der Wirbelschicht Luft mit einer Temperatur gleich oder oberhalb der Außentemperatur eingesetzt wird, während die Temperatur der einströmenden Luft im weiteren Verlauf auf Werte unterhalb der Außentemperatur sinkt;
• – Zu Beginn der Wirbelschicht Luft mit einer Temperatur gleich der Außentemperatur eingesetzt wird, während die Temperatur der einströmenden Luft im weiteren Verlauf auf Werte unterhalb der Außentemperatur sinkt oder auf Werte oberhalb der Außentemperatur steigt.

In preferred fluidized bed mixers, the floors are divided into sectors which are periodically more or less aerated. This creates changing circulations of larger areas of the fluidized material. Also preferred are methods according to the invention in which the temperature of the inflowing air can be regulated, the temperature deviating from the outside temperature in particularly preferred method variants, i.e. being either colder or warmer than the temperature of the surrounding outside air and / or different temperatures for different areas of the fluidized bed the incoming air can be selected. In particular, methods are preferred in which:

• - At the beginning of the fluidized bed, air with a temperature equal to or below the outside temperature is used, while the temperature of the inflowing air increases to values above the outside temperature in the further course;
• Air is used at the beginning of the fluidized bed at a temperature equal to or above the outside temperature, while the temperature of the inflowing air further falls to values below the outside temperature;
• - At the beginning of the fluidized bed, air with a temperature equal to the outside temperature is used, while the temperature of the inflowing air further falls to values below the outside temperature or rises to values above the outside temperature.

The temperature of the cold air used is in preferred process variants less than 15 ° C., preferably less than 13 ° C and especially less than 10 ° C. The temperature of the hot air has values above 28 ° C., preferably in preferred process variants above 35 ° C, particularly preferably above 40 ° C and especially above 50 ° C.

As "after-treatment" is part of the present application, for example, the addition of the previously described Powdering agent of the surface modifier or spraying with binders, preferably from the group of surfactants, in particular of anionic surfactant acids and / or nonionic surfactants, the phosphonic acids and / or polymer acids and / or the aqueous solutions or aqueous dispersions or called a coating.

In a preferred variant of the inventive method becomes a second portion of a liquid binder for post-treatment by means of a spray device sprayed onto the fluidized bed formed in the fluidized bed. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention the fluidized bed has a depth of between 2 and 100 cm, preferably between 4 and 80 cm, particularly preferably between 8 and 60 cm and especially between 10 and 40 cm.

Spraying can be carried out using a single substance or High pressure spray nozzles, two-substance spray nozzles or Three-substance spray nozzles are made. For spraying with single-substance spray nozzles the application of a high melt pressure (5-15 MPa) is required, while spraying in two-substance spray nozzles with Help of a compressed air flow (at 0.15-0.3 MPa). The spraying with two-component spray nozzles is cheaper especially with regard to possible blockages of the nozzle, but due to the high compressed air consumption consuming. As a modern development, there are the three-substance spray nozzles, which next to the compressed air flow for atomization another air duct system, to prevent clogging and droplet formation on the nozzle. As part of of the method according to the invention the use of two-substance spray nozzles, preferably two-substance spray nozzles with a liquid hole between 2 and 6 mm, especially between 3 and 5 mm especially prefers. The preferred distance of the sprayer from the bottom plate a fluidized bed preferably used is at least 30 cm, preferably at least 60 cm, particularly preferably at least 80 cm and in particular at least 100 cm.

In a particularly preferred variant of the method according to the invention is the spray head the spraying device above the surface of the fluidized bed. Methods in which the distance is preferred the spraying device from the surface the fluidized bed at least 10 cm, preferably at least 30 cm and in particular is at least 50 cm. In particularly preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention is the distance of the sprayer from the surface the fluidized bed is between 15 and 140 cm, preferably between 20 and 130 cm, in particular between 30 and 120 cm and in particular between 40 and 110 cm. It has been shown that the product properties like solubility or bulk density manufactured according to the invention Granules in particular over the distance of the sprayer from the surface of the fluidized bed can be influenced advantageously.

The drop diameter of the sprayed liquid binder is preferably between 1 and 100 μm, particularly preferably between 2 and 80 μm, very particularly preferably between 4 and 70 μm and in particular between 8 and 60 μm. The temperature of the sprayed Binder is preferably between 20 and 70 ° C, preferably between 25 and 60 ° C, particularly preferably between 30 and 55 ° C and in particular between 40 and 50 ° C.

The advantages of the process according to the invention can be realized in particular by those preferred process variants in which the surface loading of the fluidized bed by the binder sprayed during the aftertreatment is between 0.0001 and 2.0 kg / (m ² s), preferably between 0.001 and 2.0 kg / (m ² s), particularly preferably between 0.002 and 2.0 kg / (m ² s) and in particular between 0.004 and 2.0 kg / (m ² s). The volume loading of the fluidized bed by the sprayed binder is between 0.0001 and 6.0 kg / (m ³ s) in the aftertreatment in preferred variants of the process according to the invention.

As stated above, the solid process product after leaving the free fall mixer After-treatment, further binders can be added. As part of the present Such methods are particularly preferred in which both in the implementation in the free fall mixer and in the optional Post-treatment of anionic surfactant acids are used and in which the first portion of the liquid binder, which is used in the free fall mixer 55 to 90 wt .-%, preferably between 65 and 90% by weight, particularly preferably between 76 and 90 % By weight and in particular between 80 and 90% by weight of the total used anionic surfactant includes. This preferred division of the anionic surfactant addition process products are obtained which are characterized by an optimized solubility as well as a low bulk density Mark in the range of 300 to 700 g / l.

Preferred method according to the invention are further characterized in that the bulk density of the granulation mixture after exiting the pneumatic fluidized bed between 300 and 700 g / l, preferably between 400 and 700 g / l and in particular is between 500 and 650 g / l.

The according to the inventive method The surfactant granules produced are particularly suitable for Manufacture of detergents or cleaning agents, especially solid ones Detergents or cleaning agents, for example through more extensive ones Agglomeration, by extrusion or compacting. Such washing or cleaning agents contain in addition to the previously mentioned ingredients like the anionic surfactant acids further components, in particular from the group of builders, cobuilders, Bleaching agents, bleach activators, dyes and fragrances, optical brighteners, Enzymes, soil-release polymers, etc. These substances are shown below completeness described for the sake of it.

Builders are used in laundry or Detergents especially for binding calcium and magnesium used. usual Builders within the scope of the invention preferably in amounts of 22.5 up to 45% by weight, preferably from 25 to 40% by weight and in particular from 27.5 to 35% by weight, in each case based on the total average, which also the process end products of the process according to the invention contains are present are the low molecular weight polycarboxylic acids and their salts, the homopolymeric and copolymeric polycarboxylic acids and their salts, the carbonates, phosphates and sodium and potassium silicates. For washing or Cleaning agents are preferably trisodium citrate and / or pentasodium tripolyphosphate and silicate builders from the class of alkali disilicates. In general, in the case of the alkali metal salts, the potassium salts are the sodium salts preferable because they often have a higher water solubility have. Preferred water soluble builders are, for example, tripotassium citrate, potassium carbonate and the potassium water glasses.

Detergents or cleaning agents can be used as builders Contain phosphates, preferably alkali metal phosphates with particular Preference for pentasodium or pentapotassium triphosphate (sodium or potassium tripolyphosphate).

Alkali metal phosphates is the general term for the alkali metal (especially sodium and potassium) salts of the various phosphoric acids, in which one can distinguish between metaphosphoric acids (HPO ₃ ) _n and orthophosphoric acid HP ₃ O _{4 in} addition to higher molecular weight representatives. The phosphates combine several advantages: they act as alkali carriers, prevent limescale deposits and also contribute to cleaning performance.

The detergents or cleaning agents can particularly preferably contain condensed phosphates as water-softening substances. These substances form a group of phosphates - also called melting or glow phosphates due to their production - which can be derived from acid salts of orthophosphoric acid (phosphoric acids) by condensation. The condensed phosphates can be divided into the metaphosphates [MIn (PO ₃ ) _n ] and polyphosphates (M ^I _{n + 2} P _n O _{3n + 1} or M ^I _n H ₂ P _n O _{3n + 1} ).

The term "metaphosphate" was originally the general term for condensed phosphates with the composition M _n [P _n O _3n ] (M = monovalent metal), but today is mostly limited to salts with ring-shaped cyclo (poly) phosphate anions. With n = 3, 4, 5, 6 etc. are referred to as tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-metaphosphates etc. etc. According to the systematic nomenclature of the isopolyanions, the anion with n = 3 is called cyclo-triphosphate.

Metaphosphates are obtained as accompanying substances - incorrectly as sodium hexametaphosphate - Graham's salt by melting NaHP ₂ O ₄ to temperatures above 620 ° C, whereby so-called Maddrell salt is also formed as an intermediate. This and Kurrol's salt are linear polyphosphates, which today are usually not counted among the metaphosphates, but which can also be used with preference as water-softening substances in the context of the present invention.

The crystalline, water-insoluble Maddrell salt, (NaPO ₃ ) _x with x> 1000, which can be obtained from NaH ₂ PO ₄ at 200-300 ° C, goes into the cyclic metaphosphate [Na ₃ (PO ₃ ) ₃ ], which melts at 620 ° C. Depending on the reaction conditions, the quenched, glassy melt is the water-soluble Graham's salt, (NaPO ₃ ) _40-50 , or a glassy condensed phosphate of the composition (NaPO ₃ ) _15-20 , known as Calgon. The misleading name hexametaphosphate is still used for both products. The so-called Kurrol's salt, (NaPO ₃ ) _n with n ≫ 5000, also arises from the melt of the Maddrell salt, which is hot at 600 ° C, if it is left at 500 ° C for a short time. It forms highly polymeric water-soluble fibers.

Particularly preferred water-softening substances from the above classes of condensed phosphates, the "hexametaphosphates" Budit ^® H6 and H8 from. Budenheim have proven.

Suitable silicate builders are the crystalline, layered sodium silicates of the general formula NaMSi _x O _{2x + 1} .H ₂ O, where M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4 and y is a number from 0 to 20 and is preferred Values for x are 2, 3 or 4. Preferred crystalline layered silicates of the formula given are those in which M represents sodium and x assumes the values 2 or 3. In particular, both β- and δ-sodium disilicates Na ₂ Si ₂ O ₅ .yH ₂ O are preferred.

Amorphous sodium silicates with a modulus Na ₂ O: SiO ₂ of 1: 2 to 1: 3.3, preferably 1: 2 to 1: 2.8 and in particular 1: 2 to 1: 2.6, can also be used are delayed in release and have secondary rapid properties. The delay in dissolution compared to conventional amorphous sodium silicates can be caused in various ways, for example by surface treatment, compounding, compacting / compression or by overdrying. In the context of this invention, the term “amorphous” is also understood to mean “X-ray amorphous”. This means that the silicates in X-ray diffraction experiments do not provide sharp X-ray reflections, as are typical for crystalline substances, but at most one or more maxima of the scattered X-rays, which have a width of several degree units of the diffraction angle. However, it can very well lead to particularly good builder properties if the silicate particles deliver washed-out or even sharp diffraction maxima in electron diffraction experiments. This is to be interpreted as meaning that the products have microcrystalline areas of size 10 to a few hundred nm, values up to max. 50 nm and in particular up to max. 20 nm are preferred. Such so-called X-ray amorphous silicates also have a delay in dissolution compared to conventional water glasses. Compacted / compacted amorphous silicates, compounded amorphous silicates and over-dried X-ray amorphous silicates are particularly preferred.

The finely crystalline, synthetic and bound water-containing zeolite that can be used is preferably zeolite A and / or P. As zeolite P, zeolite ^MAP® (commercial product from Crosfield) is particularly preferred. However, zeolite X and mixtures of A, X and / or P are also suitable. Commercially available and can preferably be used in the context of the present invention, for example a co-crystallizate of zeolite X and zeolite A (approx. 80% by weight zeolite X) , which is sold by CONDEA Augusta SpA under the brand name VEGOBOND AX ^® and has the formula nNa ₂ O · (1 – n) K ₂ O · Al ₂ O ₃ · (2–2.5) SiO ₂ · (3rd , 5–5.5) H ₂ Ob can be written. Suitable zeolites have an average particle size of less than 10 μm (volume distribution; measurement method: Coulter Counter) and preferably contain 18 to 22% by weight, in particular 20 to 22% by weight, of bound water.

In addition to the builders are in particular Acidifying agent, chelating agent or the deposit inhibitor Polymers further preferred ingredients of washing or cleaning agents.

Both inorganic acids and organic acids are suitable as acidifiers, provided that these are compatible with the other ingredients. The solid mono-, oligo- and polycarboxylic acids can be used in particular for reasons of consumer protection and handling safety. From this group, preference is again given to citric acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malonic acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid and polyacrylic acid. The anhydrides of these acids can also be used as acidifying agents, maleic anhydride and succinic anhydride in particular being commercially available. Organic sulfonic acids such as amidosulfonic acid can also be used. Sokalan ^® DCS (trademark of BASF), a mixture of succinic acid (max. 31% by weight), glutaric acid (max. 50% by weight) and adipic acid (commercially available and also preferably used as an acidifying agent in the context of the present invention) max. 33% by weight).

Another possible group of ingredients are the chelating agents. Chelating agents are substances which form cyclic compounds with metal ions, with a single ligand occupying more than one coordination point on a central atom, ie being at least “bidentate”. In this case, stretching is normally carried out Connections are closed to form rings by complex formation via an ion The number of ligands bound depends on the coordination number of the central ion.

Common and in the context of Preferred chelate complex images are present invention polyoxycarboxylic, Polyamines, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). Also complex-forming polymers, i.e. polymers that are either in the Main chain itself or sideways contribute to this functional groups that can act as ligands and with suitable metal atoms, usually with the formation of chelate complexes react, can be used according to the invention. The polymer-bound ligands of the resulting metal complexes can from only one macromolecule originate or belong to different polymer chains. The latter leads to Cross-linking of the material, unless the complex-forming polymers already before covalent bonds were cross-linked.

Complexing groups (ligands) more common complex-forming polymers are iminodiacetic acid, hydroxyquinoline, thiourea, Guanidine, dithiocarbamate, hydroxamic acid, amidoxime, aminophosphoric acid, (cycl.) Polyamino, mercapto, 1,3-dicarbonyl and crown ether residues with z. T. very specific Activities towards ions different metals. Many base polymers are also commercially available important complex-forming polymers are polystyrene, polyacrylates, Polyacrylonitriles, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyridines and polyethylene imines. Even natural Polymers such as cellulose, starch or chitin are complex-forming polymers. In addition, this provided with further ligand functionalities by polymer-analogous conversions become.

• (i) Polycarbonsäuren, bei denen die Summe der Carboxyl- und gegebenenfalls Hydroxylgruppen mindestens 5 beträgt,
• (ii) stickstoffhaltigen Mono- oder Polycarbonsäuren,
• (iii) geminalen Diphosphonsäuren,
• (iv) Aminophosphonsäuren,
• (v) Phosphonopolycarbonsäuren,
• (vi) Cyclodextrine

in Mengen oberhalb von 0,1 Gew.-%, vorzugsweise oberhalb von 0,5 Gew.-%, besonders bevorzugt oberhalb von 1 Gew.-% und insbesondere oberhalb von 2,5 Gew.-%, jeweils bezogen auf das Gewicht des Geschirrspülmittels, enthalten.In the context of the present invention, particular preference is given to detergents or cleaning agents which contain one or more chelate complexing agents from the groups of

• (i) polycarboxylic acids in which the sum of the carboxyl and optionally hydroxyl groups is at least 5,
• (ii) nitrogen-containing mono- or polycarboxylic acids,
• (iii) geminal diphosphonic acids,
• (iv) aminophosphonic acids,
• (v) phosphonopolycarboxylic acids,
• (vi) cyclodextrins

in amounts above 0.1% by weight, preferably above 0.5% by weight, particularly preferably above 1% by weight and in particular above 2.5% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the Dishwashing detergent included.

• a) Polycarbonsäuren, bei denen die Summe der Carboxyl- und gegebenenfalls Hydroxylgruppen mindestens 5 beträgt wie Gluconsäure,
• b) stickstoffhaltige Mono- oder Polycarbonsäuren wie Ethylendiamintetraessigsäure (EDTA), N-Hydroxyethylethylendiamintriessigsäure, Diethylentriaminpentaessig-säure, Hydroxyethyliminodiessigsäure, Nitridodiessigsäure-3-propionsäure, Isoserindiessigsäure, N,N-Di-(β-hydroxyethyl)-glycin, N-(1,2-Dicarboxy-2-hydroxyethyl)gly-cin, N-(1,2-Dicarboxy-2-hydroxyethyl)-asparaginsäure oder Nitrilotriessigsäure (NTA),
• c) geminale Diphosphonsäuren wie 1-Hydroxyethan-1,1-diphosphonsäure (HEDP), deren höhere Homologe mit bis zu 8 Kohlenstoffatomen sowie Hydroxy- oder Aminogruppenhaltige Derivate hiervon und 1-Aminoethan-1,1-diphosphonsäure, deren höhere Homologe mit bis zu 8 Kohlenstoffatomen sowie Hydroxy- oder Aminogruppen-haltige Derivate hiervon,
• d) Aminophosphonsäuren wie Ethylendiamintetra(methylenphosphonsäure), Diethylentriaminpenta(methylenphosphonsäure) oder Nitrilotri(methylenphosphonsäure),
• e) Phosphonopolycarbonsäuren wie 2-Phosphonobutan-1,2,4-tricarbonsäure sowie
• f) Cyclodextrine.

All complexing agents of the prior art can be used in the context of the present invention. These can belong to different chemical groups. The following are preferably used individually or in a mixture:

• a) polycarboxylic acids in which the sum of the carboxyl and optionally hydroxyl groups is at least 5, such as gluconic acid,
• b) nitrogen-containing mono- or polycarboxylic acids such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitridodiacetic acid-3-propionic acid, isoserinediacetic acid, N, N-di-, (β-n-hydroxyethyl) 2-dicarboxy-2-hydroxyethyl) gly-cin, N- (1,2-dicarboxy-2-hydroxyethyl) aspartic acid or nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA),
• c) geminal diphosphonic acids such as 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), their higher homologues with up to 8 carbon atoms, and derivatives thereof containing hydroxyl or amino groups, and 1-aminoethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, their higher homologs with up to 8 carbon atoms and derivatives thereof containing hydroxyl or amino groups,
• d) aminophosphonic acids such as ethylenediaminetetra (methylenephosphonic acid), diethylenetriaminepenta (methylenephosphonic acid) or nitrilotri (methylenephosphonic acid),
• e) phosphonopolycarboxylic acids such as 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and
• f) cyclodextrins.

As polycarboxylic acids a) in the context of this Patent application carboxylic acids - including monocarboxylic acids - understood, where the sum of carboxyl and those contained in the molecule Hydroxyl groups is at least 5. Complexing agent from the Group of nitrogen-containing polycarboxylic acids, especially EDTA prefers. With those required according to the invention These complex bilgeers lie in the alkaline pH values of the treatment solutions at least partially as anions. It is immaterial whether it is in the form of acids or introduced in the form of salts. In case of use as salts are alkali, ammonium or alkylammonium salts, in particular Sodium salts, preferred.

Deposit-inhibiting polymers can also be contained in detergents or cleaning agents. These substances that can have different chemical structures, for example from the groups of low molecular weight polyacrylates with molecular weights between 1000 and 20,000 daltons, with polymers with molecular weights below 15,000 daltons are preferred.

Deposit-inhibiting polymers can also Have cobuilder properties. As organic cobuilders, in the agents containing the process end products according to the invention, in particular polycarboxylates / polycarboxylic acids, polymeric polycarboxylates, aspartic acid, Polyacetals, dextrins, other organic cobuilders (see below) and phosphonates are used. These classes of substances are as follows described.

Usable organic builders are, for example, those that can be used in the form of their sodium salts polycarboxylic being under polycarboxylic acids such carboxylic acids can be understood that carry more than one acid function. For example these are citric acid, adipic acid, Succinic acid, Glutaric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, sugar acids, aminocarboxylic acids, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), unless such use for ecological reasons objectionable, and mixtures of these. Preferred salts are the salts of polycarboxylic acids like citric acid, adipic acid, Succinic acid, glutaric, Tartaric acid, sugar acids and mixtures of these.

The acids themselves can also be used become. The acids In addition to their builder effect, they typically also have the property an acidifying component and thus also serve to set a lower and milder one pH of washing or Detergents. In particular, citric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, gluconic acid and to name any mixtures of these.

As a builder or base inhibitor polymeric polycarboxylates are also suitable, for example the alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid, for example those with a molecular weight from 500 to 70000 g / mol.

In the context of this document, the molecular weights given for polymeric polycarboxylates are weight-average molecular weights M _{w of} the particular acid form, which were determined in principle by means of gel permeation chromatography (GPC), a UV detector being used. The measurement was carried out against an external polyacrylic acid standard, which provides realistic molecular weight values due to its structural relationship to the polymers investigated. This information differs significantly from the molecular weight data for which polystyrene sulfonic acids are used as standard. The molecular weights measured against polystyrene sulfonic acids are generally significantly higher than the molecular weights given in this document.

Suitable polymers are in particular Polyacrylates, which preferably have a molecular weight of 2,000 to 20,000 g / mol exhibit. Because of their superior solubility can from this group, in turn, the short-chain polyacrylates, the molecular weights from 2000 to 10000 g / mol, and particularly preferably from 3000 to 5000 g / mol, have, be preferred.

Copolymers are also suitable Polycarboxylates, especially those of acrylic acid with methacrylic acid and of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid. Copolymers of acrylic acid have been particularly suitable maleic proven to contain 50 to 90 wt .-% acrylic acid and 50 to 10 wt .-% maleic acid. Your relative molecular mass, based on free acids, is generally 2,000 to 70,000 g / mol, preferably 20,000 to 50,000 g / mol and in particular 30,000 to 40,000 g / mol.

The (co) polymeric polycarboxylates can can be used either as a powder or as an aqueous solution. The content of (co) polymeric polycarboxylates in the agents is preferably 0.5 to 20% by weight, in particular 3 to 10% by weight.

Are also particularly preferred biodegradable polymers from more than two different monomer units, for example those which are salts of acrylic acid and monomers the maleic acid and vinyl alcohol or vinyl alcohol derivatives or as monomers Acrylic acid salts and 2-alkylallylsulfonic acid as well as sugar derivatives. Other preferred copolymers are those that preferably contain acrolein and acrylic acid / acrylic acid salts as monomers or acrolein and vinyl acetate.

Are also preferred as others Builder substances polymeric aminodicarboxylic acids, their salts or their precursors to call. Polyaspartic acids or their salts and derivatives, which in addition to cobuilder properties have a bleach-stabilizing effect.

Other suitable builder substances are polyacetals, which by reacting dialdehydes with polyol carboxylic acids Have 5 to 7 carbon atoms and at least 3 hydroxyl groups can be. Preferred polyacetals are derived from dialdehydes such as glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, Terephthalaldehyde and mixtures thereof and from polyol carboxylic acids such as gluconic and / or glucoheptonic acid receive.

Other suitable organic builder substances are dextrins, for example oligomers or polymers of carbohydrates, which can be obtained by partial hydrolysis of starches. The hydrolysis can be carried out by customary, for example acid or enzyme-catalyzed, processes. They are preferably hydrolysis products with average molar masses in the range from 400 to 500,000 g / mol. A polysaccharide with a dextrose equivalent (DE) in the range from 0.5 to 40, in particular from 2 to 30, is preferred, DE being a customary measure of the reducing effect of a polysaccharide compared to dextrose, which has a DE of 100 , is. Both maltodextrins with a DE between 3 and 20 and dry glucose syrups with a DE between 20 and 37 and so-called yellow are usable extrins and white dextrins with higher molar masses in the range from 2000 to 30000 g / mol.

The oxidized derivatives of such dextrins are their reaction products with oxidizing agents which are capable of oxidizing at least one alcohol function of the saccharide ring to the carboxylic acid function. A product oxidized at C _{6 of} the saccharide ring can be particularly advantageous.

Also oxydisuccinates and other derivatives of disuccinates, preferably ethylenediamine disuccinate, are others suitable cobuilders. Here, ethylenediamine-N, N'disuccinate (EDDS) preferably used in the form of its sodium or magnesium salts. Glycerol disuccinates are also preferred in this context and glycerol trisuccinates. Suitable amounts are those containing zeolite and / or silicate-containing formulations at 3 to 15% by weight.

Other useful organic cobuilders are, for example, acetylated hydroxycarboxylic acids or their salts, which optionally also in lactone form and which at least 4 carbon atoms and at least one hydroxyl group and maximum two acid groups contain.

Another class of substances with cobuilder properties represent the phosphonates. These are in particular around hydroxyalkane or aminoalkanephosphonates. Among the hydroxyalkane phosphonates 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonate (HEDP) is of particular importance as a cobuilder. It is preferably used as the sodium salt the disodium salt being neutral and the tetrasodium salt being alkaline (pH 9) reacts. Preferred aminoalkane phosphonates are ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonate (EDTMP), Diethylene triamine pentamethylene phosphonate (DTPMP) and their higher homologues in question. They are preferably in the form of neutral reactions Sodium salts, e.g. B. as the hexasodium salt of EDTMP or as hepta- and the Octa sodium salt of DTPMP. As a builder HEDP is preferably used from the class of the phosphonates. The aminoalkane phosphonates also have a pronounced Heavy metal binding capacity. Accordingly, it can, especially if the agent also bleach contain, be preferred, aminoalkanephosphonates, in particular DTPMP, to use, or to use mixtures of the phosphonates mentioned.

In addition to the fabrics from the mentioned substance classes the agents according to the invention more usual Contain ingredients of cleaning agents, in particular Bleaching agents, bleach activators, enzymes, colors and fragrances from Meaning. These substances are described below.

Among the compounds which serve as bleaching agents and supply H ₂ O ₂ in water, sodium perborate tetrahydrate and sodium perborate monohydrate are of particular importance. Further bleaches which can be used are, for example, sodium percarbonate, peroxypyrophosphates, citrate perhydrates and H ₂ O ₂ -producing peracidic salts or peracids, such as perbenzoates, peroxophthalates, diperazelaic acid, phthaloiminoperic acid or diperdodecanedioic acid. Washing or cleaning agents according to the invention can also contain bleaching agents from the group of organic bleaching agents. Typical organic bleaching agents are the diacyl peroxides, such as dibenzoyl peroxide. Other typical organic bleaching agents are peroxy acids, examples of which include alkyl peroxy acids and aryl peroxy acids. Preferred representatives are (a) the peroxybenzoic acid and its ring-substituted derivatives, such as alkylperoxybenzoic acids, but also peroxy-α-naphthoic acid and magnesium monoperphthalate, (b) the aliphatic or substituted aliphatic peroxyacids, such as peroxylauric acid, peroxystearic acid, ε-phthalimidthanoic acid paproacidaproacidoxyhexanoic acid , o-Carboxybenzamidoperoxycapronsäure, N-nonenylamidoperadipic acid and N-nonenylamidopersuccinates, and (c) aliphatic and araliphatic peroxydicarboxylic acids, such as 1,12-diperoxycarboxylic acid, 1,9-diperoxyazelaic acid, Diperocysebacinsäure, diperoxybrassylic acid, diperoxyphthalic acids, the 2-decyldiperoxybutane-1,4- diacid, N, N-terephthaloyl-di (6-aminopercapronic acid) can be used.

As a bleaching agent in machines Wash the dishes can chlorine or bromine-releasing substances can also be used. Suitable chlorine or bromine-free materials include, for example heterocyclic N-bromo- and N-chloramides, for example trichloroisocyanuric acid, tribromoisocyanuric acid, dibromoisocyanuric acid and / or dichloroisocyanuric (DICA) and / or their salts with cations such as potassium and sodium into consideration. Hydantoin compounds such as 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydanthoin also suitable.

Bleach activators support the Effect of the bleach. Known bleach activators are compounds which contain one or more N- or O-acyl groups, such as substances from the class of anhydrides, esters, imides and acylated Imidazoles or oximes. Examples are tetraacetylethylenediamine TAED, Tetraacetylmethylene diamine TAMD and tetraacetylhexylene diamine TAND, but also pentaacetylglucose PAG, 1,5-diacetyl-2,2-dioxo-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine DADHT and isatoic anhydride ISA.

Bleach activators which can be used are compounds which, under perhydrolysis conditions, give aliphatic peroxocarboxylic acids having preferably 1 to 10 C atoms, in particular 2 to 4 C atoms, and / or optionally substituted perbenzoic acid. Substances are suitable which carry O- and / or N-acyl groups of the number of carbon atoms mentioned and / or optionally substituted benzoyl groups. Multi-acylated alkylenediamines, in particular tetraacetylethylene diamine (TAED), acylated triazine derivatives, in particular 1,5-diacetyl-2,4-dioxohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (DADHT), acylated glycolurils, in particular, are preferred re tetraacetylglycoluril (TAGU), N-acylimides, especially N-nonanoylsuccinimide (NOSI), acylated phenolsulfonates, especially n-nonanoyl- or isononanoyloxybenzenesulfonate (n- or iso-NOBS), carboxylic acid anhydrides, especially phthalic acid anhydride, especially phthalic anhydride Ethylene glycol diacetate, 2,5-diacetoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran, n-methyl-morpholinium-acetonitrile-methyl sulfate (MMA), and enol esters as well as acetylated sorbitol and mannitol or their mixtures (SORMAN), acylated sugar derivatives, especially pentaacetyl glucose (PAG), Pentaacetylfructose, tetraacetylxylose and octaacetyllactose as well as acetylated, optionally N-alkylated glucamine and gluconolactone, and / or N-acylated lactams, for example N-benzoylcaprolactam. Hydrophilically substituted acylacetals and acyllactams are also preferably used. Combinations of conventional bleach activators can also be used.

In addition to the conventional Bleach activators or in their place can also be so-called bleach catalysts in the agents according to the invention be included. These substances are bleach-enhancing transition metal salts or transition metal complexes such as Mn, Fe, Co, Ru or Mo salt complexes or carbonyl complexes. Also with Mn, Fe, Co, Ru, Mo, Ti, V and Cu complexes Tripod ligands containing N, as well as Co, Fe, Cu and Ru amine complexes can be used as bleaching catalysts.

Bleach activators are preferred from the group of multi-acylated alkylenediamines, in particular Tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), N-acylimides, especially N-nonanoylsuacinimide (NOSI), acylated phenol sulfonates, especially n-nonanoyl or Isononanoyloxybenzenesulfonate (n- or iso-NOBS), n-methyl-morpholinium-acetonitrile-methylsulfate (MMA), preferably in amounts of up to 10% by weight, in particular 0.1% by weight to 8 % By weight, particularly 2 to 8% by weight and particularly preferably 2 to 6 % By weight based on the total agent used.

Bleach-enhancing transition metal complexes, in particular with the central atoms Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Mo, V, Ti and / or Ru, preferred selected from the group of manganese and / or cobalt salts and / or complexes, particularly preferably the cobalt (ammin) complexes, the cobalt (acetate) complexes, the cobalt (carbonyl) complexes, the chlorides of cobalt or manganese, of manganese sulfate are used in usual Amounts, preferably in an amount up to 5 wt .-%, in particular from 0.0025% by weight to 1% by weight and particularly preferably from 0.01 % By weight to 0.25% by weight, in each case based on the total composition, used. But in special cases more bleach activator can also be used.

Detergents or cleaning agents can contain enzymes to increase the washing or cleaning performance, although in principle all enzymes established in the prior art can be used for these purposes. These include in particular proteases, amylases, lipases, hemicellulases, cellulases or oxidoreductases, and preferably their mixtures. In principle, these enzymes are of natural origin; Based on the natural molecules, improved variants are available for use in detergents and cleaning agents, which are accordingly preferred. Agents ^according to the invention preferably contain enzymes in total amounts of 1 × 10 ^-6 to 5 percent by weight based on active protein. The protein concentration can be determined using known methods, for example the BCA method (bicinchoninic acid; 2,2'-bichinolyl-4,4'dicarboxylic acid) or the biuret method.

Among the proteases, those of the subtilisin type are preferred. Examples of this are the subtilisins BPN 'and Carlsberg, the protease PB92, the subtilisins 147 and 309, the alkaline protease from Bacillus lentus, subtilisin DY and the enzymes thermitase, proteinase K and that which can no longer be assigned to the subtilisins in the narrower sense Proteases TW3 and TW7. Subtilisin Carlsberg is available in a further developed form under the trade name Alcalase ^® from Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark. The subtilisins 147 and 309 are sold under the trade names Esperase ^®, or Savinase ^® from Novozymes. The variants listed under the name BLAP ^{® are} derived from the protease from Bacillus lentus DSM 5483.

Other usable proteases are, for example, under the trade names Durazym ^®, relase ^®, Everlase® ^®, Nafizym, Natalase ^®, Kannase® ^® and Ovozymes ^® from Novozymes, under the trade names Purafect ^®, Purafect ^® OxP and Properase.RTM ^® by the company Genencor, which is sold under the trade name Protosol ^® by Advanced Biochemicals Ltd., Thane, India, which is sold under the trade name Wuxi ^® by Wuxi Snyder Bioproducts Ltd., China, and in the trade name Proleather ^® and Protease P ^® by the company Amano Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Nagoya, Japan, and the enzyme available under the name Proteinase K-16 from Kao Corp., Tokyo, Japan.

Examples of usable amylases are the α-amylases from Bacillus licheniformis, from B. amyloliquefaciens or from B. stearothermophilus, and their further developments, which are improved for use in detergents and cleaning agents. The enzyme from B. licheniformis is available from Novozymes under the name Termamyl ^® and from Genencor under the name Purastar® ^® ST. Development products of this α-amylase are available from Novozymes under the trade names Duramyl ^® and Termamyl ^® ultra, from Genencor under the name Purastar® ^® OxAm and from Daiwa Seiko Inc., Tokyo, Japan, as Keistase ^®. The α-amylase from B. amyloliquefaciens is available from Novozymes under the BAN ^{® sold} and derived variants of the α-amylase from B. stearothermophilus under the names BSG ^® and Novamyl ^® , also from Novozymes.

Furthermore are for this Purpose of the α-amylase from Bacillus sp. A 7-7 (DSM 12368) and the cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) from B. agaradherens (DSM 9948); are as well Fusion products of the molecules mentioned can be used.

In addition, the enhancements available under the trade names Fungamyl.RTM ^® by Novozymes of α-amylase from Aspergillus niger and A. oryzae. Another commercial product is the Amylase-LT ^® .

Washing or cleaning agents can contain lipases or cutinases, in particular because of their triglyceride-cleaving activities, but also in order to generate peracids in situ from suitable precursors. These include, for example, the lipases originally obtainable from Humicola lanuginosa (Thermomyces lanuginosus) or further developed, in particular those with the amino acid exchange D96L. They are for example marketed by Novozymes under the trade names Lipolase °, Lipolase Ultra ^®, LipoPrime® ^®, Lipozyme® ^® and Lipex ^®. Furthermore, for example, the cutinases can be used, which were originally isolated from Fusarium solani pisi and Humicola insolens. Likewise useable lipases are available from Amano under the designations Lipase CE ^®, Lipase P ^®, Lipase B ^®, or lipase CES ^®, Lipase AKG ^®, Bacillis sp. Lipase ^® , Lipase AP ^® , Lipase M-AP ^® and Lipase AML ^® available. For example, the Genencor company can use the lipases or cutinases whose starting enzymes were originally isolated from Pseudomonas mendocina and Fusarium solanii. Other important commercial products, the preparations originally sold by Gist-Brocades M1 Lipase ^® and Lipomax® ^® and the enzymes marketed by Meito Sangyo KK, Japan under the names Lipase MY-30 ^®, Lipase OF ^® and lipase PL ^® to mention, also the product Lumafast ^® from Genencor.

Detergents or cleaning agents can, in particular if you for the treatment of textiles are intended, contain cellulases, depending on the purpose, as pure enzymes, as enzyme preparations or in the form of mixtures, in which the individual components are advantageously in terms of complement their various performance aspects. On these performance aspects counting especially contributions for primary washing performance, for secondary washing performance of the agent (anti-redeposition effect or graying inhibition) and finish (tissue effect), up to the exertion of a "stone washed" effect.

A useful fungal, endoglucanase (EG) -rich cellulase preparation or its further developments are offered by the Novozymes company under the trade name Celluzyme ^® . The products Endolase ^® and Carezyme ^® , also available from Novozymes, are based on the 50 kD-EG and the 43 kD-EG from H. insolens DSM 1800. Other possible commercial products from this company are Cellusoft ^® and Renozyme ^® . The 20 kD EG cellulase from Melanocarpus, which is available from AB Enzymes, Finland, under the trade names Ecostone ^® and Biotouch ^® , can also be used. Other commercial products from AB Enzymes are Econase ^® and Ecopulp ^® . Another suitable cellulase from Bacillus sp. CBS 670.93 is available from Genencor under the trade name Puradax ^® . Other commercial products from Genencor are "Genencor detergent Cellulase L" and IndiAge ^® Neutra.

Detergents or cleaning agents can contain further enzymes, which are summarized under the term hemicellulases. These include, for example, mannanases, xanthan lyases, pectin lyases (= pectinases), pectin esterases, pectate lyases, xyloglucanases (= xylanases), pullulanases and β-glucanases. Suitable mannanases are available, for example under the name Gamanase ^® and Pektinex AR ^® from Novozymes, under the name Rohapec ^® B1 from AB Enzymes and under the name Pyrolase® ^® from Diversa Corp., San Diego, CA, United States. The obtained from B. subtilis β-glucanase is available under the name Cereflo ^® from Novozymes.

To increase the bleaching effect, washing and cleaning agents can contain oxidoreductases, for example oxidases, oxygenases, catalases, peroxidases, such as halo-, chloro-, bromo-, lignin, glucose or manganese peroxidases, dioxygenases or laccases (phenol oxidases, polyphenol oxidases) , Suitable commercial products are Denilite ^® 1 and 2 from Novozymes. Advantageously, organic, particularly preferably aromatic, compounds interacting with the enzymes are additionally added in order to increase the activity of the oxidoreductases in question (enhancers) or to ensure the flow of electrons (mediators) in the case of greatly different redox potentials between the oxidizing enzymes and the soiling.

The in washing or cleaning agents the enzymes used are either originally from microorganisms, such as the genera Bacillus, Streptomyces, Humicola, or Pseudomonas, and / or according to known biotechnological processes produced by suitable microorganisms, such as transgenic Expression hosts of the genera Bacillus or filamentous fungi.

Purification of the concerned Enzymes are conveniently made by themselves established processes, for example via precipitation, sedimentation, concentration, Filtration of the liquid Phases, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, exposure to chemicals, Deodorization or suitable combinations of these steps.

Washing or cleaning agents can Enzymes are added in any form established according to the prior art become. This includes for example those obtained by granulation, extrusion or lyophilization solid preparations or, especially with liquid or gel-shaped Means, solutions the enzymes, advantageously if possible concentrated, low in water and / or mixed with stabilizers.

Alternatively, the enzymes can be used for both the solid for as well the liquid Dosage form are encapsulated, for example by spray drying or extrusion of the enzyme solution together with a, preferably natural polymer or in the form of capsules, for example those in which the enzymes as in enclosed in a solidified or in the core-shell type, in which an enzyme-containing core with a water, air and / or Chemical-impermeable Protective layer covered is. Additional active ingredients, for example stabilizers, emulsifiers, pigments, bleaching agents or Dyes are applied. Such capsules are after known methods, for example by shaking or Roll granulation or applied in fluid-bed processes. Are advantageous granules of this type, for example by applying polymeric film formers, low dust and storage stable due to the coating.

It is also possible to have two or assemble several enzymes so that a single Granulate multiple enzyme activities having.

One in a detergent or cleaning agent contained protein and / or enzyme can be particularly during the Storage against damage such as inactivation, denaturation or disintegration by physical influences, Oxidation or proteolytic cleavage are protected. With microbial Obtaining the proteins and / or enzymes is an inhibition of Proteolysis is particularly preferred, especially if the agents Proteases included. According to the invention, stabilizers can be used for this purpose be used.

A group of stabilizers are reversible protease inhibitors. Benzamidine hydrochloride, Borax, boric acids, boronic acids or their salts or esters are used, especially derivatives with aromatic groups, such as ortho, meta or para substituted phenylboronic, or their salts or esters. Furthermore, peptide aldehydes, this means Suitable oligopeptides with reduced C-terminus. As a peptide Protease inhibitors include ovomucoid and leupeptin mention; an additional Option is the formation of fusion proteins from proteases and peptide inhibitors.

Further enzyme stabilizers are amino alcohols such as mono-, di-, triethanol- and -propanolamine and their mixtures, aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C ₁₂ , such as succinic acid, other dicarboxylic acids or salts of the acids mentioned. End group-capped fatty acid amide alkoxylates can also be used as stabilizers.

Lower aliphatic alcohols but above all polyols, such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, Propylene glycol or sorbitol are other frequently used enzyme stabilizers. Furthermore protects also di-glycerol phosphate against denaturation by physical Influences. Calcium salts, such as calcium acetate, are also used or calcium formate and magnesium salts.

Polyamide oligomers or polymeric compounds such as lignin, water-soluble vinyl copolymers or, such as cellulose ethers, acrylic polymers and / or polyamides, stabilize the enzyme preparation, inter alia, against physical influences or pH fluctuations. Polymers containing polyamine-N-oxide act simultaneously as enzyme stabilizers and as color transfer inhibitors. Other polymeric stabilizers are the linear C ₈ -C ₁₈ polyoxyalkylenes. Alkyl polyglycosides can also stabilize the enzymatic components of the agent according to the invention and even increase their performance. Crosslinked N-containing compounds fulfill a double function as soil release agents and as enzyme stabilizers.

Reducing agents and antioxidants such as sodium sulfite or reducing sugars increase the stability of the enzymes across from oxidative decay.

Combinations of are preferred Stabilizers used, for example from polyols, boric acid and / or Borax, the combination of boric acid or borate, reducing salts and succinic acid or other dicarboxylic acids or the combination of boric acid or borate with polyols or polyamino compounds and with reducing Salt. The effect of peptide-aldehyde stabilizers can by the combination with boric acid and / or boric acid derivatives and polyols increased and according to the additional use of divalent cations, such as calcium ions reinforced become.

Is particularly preferred in the frame of the present invention the use of liquid enzyme formulations. Here it is preferred according to the invention the additional Enzymes and / or enzyme preparations, preferably solid and / or liquid Protease preparations and / or amylase preparations, in amounts of 1 to 5% by weight, preferably from 1.5 to 4.5 and in particular from 2 to 4% by weight, in each case based on the entire means.

Dyes and fragrances can be added to detergents or cleaning agents in order to improve the aesthetic impression of the resulting products and to provide the consumer with a visually and sensorially "typical and distinctive" product in addition to performance. As perfume oils or fragrance Individual fragrance compounds, for example synthetic products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol and hydrocarbon type, can be used.

Fragrance compounds of the type Esters are e.g. Benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, Linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinylacetate, phenylethyl acetate, Linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethyl methylphenyl glycinate, allyl cyclohexyl propionate, Styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. The ethers include, for example Benzyl ethyl ether, to the aldehydes e.g. the linear alkanals with 8-18 C atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamenaldehyde, Hydroxycitronellal, Lilial and Bourgeonal, to the ketones e.g. the Jonone, α-isomethyl ionone and methyl cedryl ketone, to the alcohols anethole, citronellol, eugenol, Geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol, to the hydrocarbons belong mainly the terpenes like limes and pinene. However, mixtures are preferred different fragrances, which together make an appealing Generate fragrance. Such perfume oils can also contain natural fragrance mixtures included as they are available from plant sources, e.g. Pine, citrus, jasmine, Patchouly, rose or ylang ylang oil. Are also suitable Muscatel, sage oil, Chamomile oil, clove oil, lemon balm oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, linden blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil and labdanum oil as well Orange blossom oil, neroliol, Orange peel oil and sandalwood oil.

The fragrances can be incorporated directly into the agents , but it can also be advantageous to apply the fragrances to carriers, the liability of the perfume on the laundry strengthen and through a slower fragrance release for long-lasting fragrance Take care of textiles. As such carrier materials Cyclodextrins have proven themselves, for example, the cyclodextrin-perfume complexes additionally can be coated with other auxiliaries.

To give the aesthetic impression of the washing or cleaning agent, it (or parts thereof) be dyed with suitable dyes. Preferred dyes, the selection of which is of no difficulty for the person skilled in the art high storage stability and insensitivity to the rest Ingredients of the agents and against light and no pronounced substantivity towards the with substrates to be treated such as glass, ceramic or Plastic dishes so as not to stain them.

Detergents or cleaning agents can be used as optical brightener derivatives of diaminostilbenedisulfonic acid or whose alkali metal salts contain. Suitable are e.g. Salts of 4,4'-bis (2-anilino-4-morpholino-1,3,5-triazinyl-6-amino) stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid or similarly structured compounds that replace the morpholino group a diethanolamino group, a methylamino group, an anilino group or carry a 2-methoxyethylamino group.

Brighteners of the type of substituted diphenylstyryl, e.g. the alkali salts 4,4'-bis (2-sulfostyryl) diphenyl, 4,4'-bis (4-chloro-3-sulfostyryl) or 4- (4-chlorostyryl) -4 '- (2-sulfostyryl) diphenyl. Mixtures of the aforementioned brighteners can also be used.

The process end products of the process according to the invention can not just particulate laundry or cleaning agents can be added, but can also find use in detergent or cleaning agent tablets. Surprisingly the solubility improves such tablets through the use of the process end products of inventive method compared to tablets of the same hardness and identical composition, which do not contain end products of the process according to the invention. Another object of the present invention is therefore Use of the process end products of the process according to the invention for the production of detergents, in particular detergent tablets.

The manufacture of such tablets using the process end products according to the invention is described below.

The production of washing and cleaning active moldings happens by applying pressure to a mixture to be compressed, which is in the cavity of a press. In the simplest case molding production, which is hereinafter simply called tableting, is called mixture to be tabletted directly, i.e. without previous granulation pressed. The advantages of this so-called direct tableting are its simple and inexpensive Application because no further process steps and therefore also no further systems required become. However, these advantages are offset by disadvantages. So must have a powder mixture, which is to be tabletted directly, is sufficiently plastic Have deformability and have good flow properties, furthermore may she during storage, transportation and filling of the die Show segregation tendencies. These three requirements are met many substance mixtures only extraordinarily difficult to master, so the Direct tableting, especially in the manufacture of washing and detergent tablets are not used often. The usual way for the production of detergent tablets of powdery Components ("primary particles") made by suitable procedures for secondary particles with higher Particle diameter can be agglomerated or granulated. These granules or mixtures of different granules are then mixed with individual powdery Additives mixed and fed to the tableting. in the In the context of the present invention, this means that the process end products of the method according to the invention with other ingredients that are also in granular form can, be worked up into a premix.

Before pressing the particulate premix the pre-mix can also be used for detergent tablets finely divided surface treatment agents are "powdered". This can for the texture and physical properties of both the premix (storage, Pressing) as well as the finished detergent tablets from Be an advantage. Finely divided powdering agents are state of the art well-known, mostly zeolites, silicates or other inorganic Salts are used. However, the premix is preferred with finely divided zeolite "powdered", being zeolites faujasite type are preferred. Within the scope of the present invention denotes the term "zeolite of the faujasite type "all three zeolites making up the faujasite subgroup of the zeolite structural group 4 form (compare Donald W. Breck: "Zeolite Molecular Sieves", John Wiley & Sons, New York, London, Sydney, Toronto, 1974, page 92). In addition to the Zeolite X are thus also zeolite Y and faujasite and mixtures of these compounds can be used, the pure zeolite X being preferred.

Mixtures or cocrystals of zeolites of the faujasite type with other zeolites that are not mandatory must belong to the zeolite structure group 4, are as a powdering agent can be used, it being advantageous if at least 50% by weight of the powdering agent consist of a zeolite of the faujasite type.

Within the scope of the present invention detergent tablets are preferred, which consist of a particulate There is a premix, the granular components and subsequently admixed powdery substances contains where the or one of the later admixed powder Components a faujasite type zeolite with particle sizes below 100 microns, preferably below 10 μm and in particular below 5 μm and is at least 0.2% by weight, preferably at least 0.5% by weight and in particular more than 1% by weight of the premix to be pressed accounts.

In addition to the end products of the process according to the invention can the premixes to be pressed additionally contain one or more substances from the group of bleaching agents, bleach activators, enzymes, pH adjusting agents, Fragrances, perfume carriers, fluorescent agents, Dyes, foam inhibitors, silicone oils, anti-redeposition agents, optical brighteners, graying inhibitors, color transfer inhibitors and contain corrosion inhibitors. These substances have been mentioned above described.

The moldings according to the invention are produced first by dry mixing the ingredients, all or part can be pre-granulated and then Inform, in particular pressing into tablets, whereby conventional Procedure can be. The premix is prepared in a so-called die between two stamps into a fixed one Compressed compressed. This process, briefly referred to below as Tabletting is divided into four sections: Dosage, compression (elastic deformation), plastic deformation and expelling.

First, the premix is in introduced the die, the filling quantity and thus the weight and the shape of the resulting shaped body by the position of the lower punch and the shape of the press tool be determined. The constant dosage even with high molding throughputs preferably about volumetric dosing of the premix is achieved. In the further Touches the course of the tableting the upper stamp pre-mixes and descends further of the lower stamp. With this compression, the particles of the premix pressed together the void volume within the filling between the punches decreases continuously. From a certain position of the upper stamp (and thus from a certain pressure on the premix) begins the plastic deformation in which the particles flow together and it to form the molded body comes. Depending on the physical properties of the premix a part of the premixed particles is also crushed and it comes at even higher pressures a sintering of the premix. With increasing press speed, So high throughput, the phase of elastic deformation always shortened, So that the resulting molded body more or less large cavities can have. In the last step of tableting, the finished molded body is finished the lower punch is pressed out of the die and by subsequent transport devices carried away. At this point in time, only the weight of the molded body has been finally determined, there the compacts due to physical processes (stretching, crystallographic Effects, cooling etc.) can still change their shape and size.

Tableting takes place in standard commercial form Tablet presses, which are basically equipped with single or double stamps can. In the latter case, it is not only the upper stamp that builds up pressure used, the lower punch also moves during the pressing process towards the upper stamp during the Upper stamp presses down. For little ones Production quantities are preferably eccentric tablet presses, where the stamp or stamps are attached to an eccentric disc are, in turn, on an axis with a certain rotational speed is mounted. The movement of this ram is with the way of working of a usual Four-stroke engine comparable. The pressing can be done with an upper and lower stamps can be made but also several stamps can be attached to an eccentric disc, the number of die holes is expanded accordingly. The throughputs of eccentric presses vary from a few hundred to depending on the type maximum 3000 tablets per hour.

For one chooses larger throughputs Rotary tablet presses on a so-called die table A larger number of matrices circular is arranged. The number of matrices varies depending on the model 6 and 55, including larger matrices available in the stores are. Each die on the die table is an upper and lower stamp assigned, again the pressure is active only by the Upper or lower stamp, but also built up by both stamps can be. The matrix table and the stamps move by one common vertical axis, using the stamp rail-like curves during of circulation in the positions for filling, Compression, plastic deformation and discharge are brought. In the places where a particularly serious increase or decrease in Stamp is required (filling, Compression, ejection), these cam tracks are replaced by additional low-pressure pieces, low-tension rails and lift tracks supported. The filling the die is made over a rigidly arranged feed device, the so-called filling shoe, the one with a storage container for the Premix is connected. The pressure on the premix is above that compression paths for top and Lower stamp individually adjustable, whereby the pressure build-up by the rolling of the stamp shaft heads on adjustable pressure rollers happens.

Rotary presses can be used to increase the Throughput also with two filling shoes be provided, with only one to produce a tablet Semicircle must be run through. Several filling shoes are used to produce two- and multi-layer molded articles arranged one behind the other without the slightly pressed first Shift before further filling pushed out becomes. Appropriate litigation are on in this way, coated tablets and tablets can also be produced, some have onion skin-like structure, being in the case of the point tablets the top of the core or core layers is not covered and remains visible. Rotary tablet presses are also available with single or Can be equipped with multiple tools, see above that for example an outer circle with 50 and an inner circle with 35 holes simultaneously for pressing to be used. The throughputs modern rotary tablet presses are over one million tablets per Hour.

• – Verwendung von Kunststoffeinlagen mit geringen Dickentoleranzen
• – Geringe Umdrehungszahl des Rotors
• – Große Füllschuhe
• – Abstimmung des Füllschuhflügeldrehzahl auf die Drehzahl des Rotors
• – Füllschuh mit konstanter Pulverhöhe
• - Entkopplung von Füllschuh und Pulvervorlage

When tableting with rotary presses, it has proven to be advantageous to carry out the tabletting with the smallest possible fluctuations in the weight of the tablet. The fluctuations in hardness of the tablet can also be reduced in this way. Small fluctuations in weight can be achieved in the following ways:

• - Use of plastic inserts with small thickness tolerances
• - Low number of revolutions of the rotor
• - Big filling shoes
• - Matching the filler paddle speed to the speed of the rotor
• - Filling shoe with constant powder height
• - Decoupling of filling shoe and powder feed

To reduce the build-up of stamps they all offer themselves non-stick coatings known from the art. Particularly advantageous are plastic coatings, plastic inserts or plastic stamps. Rotating punches have also proven to be advantageous, whereby if possible The upper and lower stamps should be rotatable. With rotating Stamping can usually be done without a plastic insert become. The stamp surfaces should be electropolished here.

It continued to show that long pressing times are advantageous. these can with pressure rails, several pressure rollers or low rotor speeds can be set. Because the fluctuations in hardness the tablet should be caused by the fluctuations in the pressing forces Systems are used that limit the pressing force. Here elastic Stamps, pneumatic compensators or spring elements in the force path be used. The pressure roller can also be designed to be resilient.

Within the scope of the present invention Suitable tableting machines are available, for example, from the companies Apparatebau Holzwarth GbR, Asperg, Wilhelm Fette GmbH, Schwarzenbek, Hofer GmbH, Weil, Horn & Noack Pharmatechnik GmbH, Worms, IMA Verpackungssysteme GmbH Viersen, KILIAN, KöIn, KOMAGE, Kell am See, KORSCH Pressen AG, Berlin, and Romaco GmbH, Worms. Other providers are, for example Dr. Herbert Pete, Vienna (AU), Mapag Maschinenbau AG, Bern (CH), BWI Manesty, Liverpool (GB), I. Holand Ltd., Nottingham (GB), Courtoy N.V., Halle (BE / LU) and Mediopharm Kamnik (SI). Particularly suitable For example, the HPF 630 hydraulic double pressure press is the Company LAEIS, D. Tableting tools are for example from the Companies Adams tableting tools, Dresden, Wilhelm Fett GmbH, Schwarzenbek, Klaus Hammer, Solingen, Herber% Söhne GmbH, Hamburg, Hofer GmbH, Because, Horn & Noack, Pharmatechnik GmbH, Worms, Ritter Pharamatechnik GmbH, Hamburg, Romaco, GmbH, Worms and Notter Werkzeugbau, Tamm available. Other providers are e.g. Senss AG, Reinach (CH) and Medicopharm, Kamnik (SI).

The moldings can be manufactured in a predetermined spatial shape and a predetermined size. Practically all sensibly manageable configurations come into consideration as the spatial shape, for example the design as a blackboard, the rod or bar shape, cubes, cuboids and corresponding spatial elements flat side surfaces and in particular cylindrical configurations with a circular or oval cross section. This last embodiment covers the presentation form from the tablet to compact cylinder pieces with a ratio of height to diameter above 1.

The portioned compacts can each be designed as separate individual elements, that of the predetermined dosage of detergents and / or cleaning agents equivalent. But it is also possible compacts to form a plurality of such mass units in one compact connect, in particular by predetermined predetermined breaking points the easy separability of portioned smaller units is provided is. For the use of textile detergents in machines common in Europe Type with horizontally arranged mechanics can the training of the portioned compacts as tablets, in cylindrical or cuboid form, with a diameter / height ratio in Range of about 0.5: 2 to 2: 0.5 is preferred. Commercial hydraulic presses, Eccentric presses or rotary presses are suitable devices in particular for the production of such Compacts.

The spatial form of another embodiment the molded body is the dimensions of the induction bowl of commercially available Adapted household washing machines, So that the moldings can be dosed directly into the induction bowl without a dosing aid, where them while the induction process dissolves. It goes without saying but also an easy use of the detergent tablets via a dosing aid possible and preferred in the context of the present invention.

Another preferred molded body, the can be produced has a plate-like or plate-like structure with alternating thick long and thin short segments so that individual Segments of this "bolt" at the predetermined breaking points, the short thin ones Display segments, canceled and entered into the machine can be. This principle of the "bar-shaped" shaped detergent can also be in other geometric shapes, for example perpendicular standing triangles that are only along one side are interconnected, can be realized.

Possible but it is also that the different components are not compressed into a single tablet, but that shaped bodies are preserved that have multiple layers, i.e. at least two layers. It is also possible that these different layers have different dissolving speeds. From this you can advantageous application properties of the molded articles result. If, for example, components are contained in the moldings, the affect each other negatively, so it is possible to use one component in the faster soluble Integrate layer and the other component in a slower soluble Incorporate layer so that the the first component has already reacted when the second goes into solution. The layer structure of the moldings can be done both in stacks, with a solution process of the inner layers) at the edges of the shaped body, if the outer layers not yet complete solved , but it can also completely encase the inner layers) through the each further out lying layers), which leads to a prevention the early solution components of the inner layers).

In a further preferred embodiment the invention is a molded body from at least three layers, i.e. two outer and at least one inner layer, with at least one of the inner layers a peroxy bleaching agent is contained, while in the case of the stacked shaped body two outer layers and the outermost in the case of the shell-shaped molded body However, layers are free of peroxy bleach. Furthermore is it also possible Peroxy bleach and any bleach activators present and / or enzymes spatially in a molded body separate from each other. Such multilayer molded articles have the advantage of being not just about a induction bowl or about a dosing device which is added to the wash liquor, can be used; rather it is in such cases also possible, the molded body into the machine in direct contact with the textiles without that stains would be feared by bleach and the like.

Similar Effects can also be achieved by coating individual components of the parts to be pressed Reach detergent and cleaning agent composition or the entire molded body. You can do this the bodies to be coated for example with aqueous solutions or Emulsions become, or about the process of melt coating received a coating.

After pressing, the detergent tablets have a high stability. The breaking strength of cylindrical shaped bodies can be determined via the measured variable of the diametrical breaking load. This can be determined according to

Here σ stands for the diametrical fracture stress (diametral fracture stress, DFS) in Pa, P is the force in N that to the on the molded body exerted Pressure leads the breakage of the molded body caused, D is the shaped body diameter is the height in meters and t the molded body.

Claims (18)

Process for the preparation of surfactant granules by neutralizing anionic surfactant acids and optionally further acidic components with solid neutralizing agents, in which the anionic surfactant acid (s) and the solid neutralizing agent (s) are agglomerated in a free-fall mixer and, if appropriate, subsequently processed, characterized in that the solid neutralizing agent comprise sodium carbonate, which reacts at least in part to sodium hydrogen carbonate, the end products of the process having at least five parts by weight of sodium carbonate for each part by weight of sodium hydrogen carbonate. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it the free-fall mixer is a drum mixer, tumble mixer, Cone mixer, double cone mixer or V-mixer. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that that it the free-fall mixer is a double cone mixer with rotatable container without mixing tools, which acts in a mixing zone and a post-mixing zone is divided and has a tee that is on an end plate is fixed and from there crosses the entire mixing zone and optionally extends into the post-mixing zone, the relationship the length the mixing zone to length the post-mixing zone is preferably at least 1: 1. Process according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the anionic surfactant acid (s) is one or more substances) from the group of the carboxylic acids, the sulfuric acid half-esters and the sulfonic acids, preferably from the group of the fatty acids, the fatty alkyl sulfuric acids and the alkylarylsulfonic acids, in particular from the group of C _8-16 -, in particular the C _9-13 alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, is / are used. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that the Maximum of neutralized anionic surfactant acids in the process products 50% by weight, preferably 8 to 42% by weight, particularly preferably 10 is up to 35% by weight and in particular 15 to 25% by weight. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that the liquid, acid component when entering the free fall mixer a temperature from 20 to 60 ° C, preferably from 30 to 55 ° C and especially from 40 to 50 ° C having. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that this weight ratio from sodium carbonate to sodium hydrogen carbonate in the process end products 50: 1 to 2: 1, preferably 40: 1 to 2.1: 1, particularly preferably 35: 1 up to 2.2: 1 and in particular 30: 1 to 2.25: 1. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that that the Sodium bicarbonate content of the process end products 0.01 to 20 wt .-%, preferably 0.1 to 15 wt .-%, particularly preferred 0.5 to 10 wt .-% and in particular 1 to 10 wt .-%, each based on the total weight of the process end products. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that that the solid neutralizing agent additional one or more substances from the group sodium hydroxide, sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium hydroxide and / or include potassium carbonate. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that that this Reaction mixture further solids from the group of silicates, Contains aluminum silicates, sulfates, citrates and / or phosphates. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that that the Water content of the process end products, determined by loss of drying at 120 ° C, less than 15% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, especially preferably less than 5% by weight and in particular less than 2.5 % By weight, based in each case on the total weight of the end products of the process after exiting the free-fall mixer. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that that this bulk weight of the process end products 300 to 800 g / L, preferably 330 to 650 g / L, particularly preferably 350 to 550 g / L and in particular 400 to Is 500 g / L. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the process products have a particle size distribution with an average particle size d ₅₀ below 5000 microns, preferably between 20 and 3000 microns, particularly preferably between 40 and 2000 microns and in particular between 50 and 1600 microns. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that that the Residence time of the reaction mixture in the rotatable container less than 20 minutes, preferably between 1 and 600 seconds, particularly preferably between 1 and 300 seconds and in particular between Is 1 and 120 seconds. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that that the the upper edge of the tee is at a distance from the mixer wall, which is preferably at most 10% of the narrowest drum diameter Location of the rotatable container, preferably at most 5% of the narrowest point of the rotatable container and in particular less than 2.5% of the narrowest point of the rotatable container. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the existence Tilt angle α of the rotatable container from 0 to 20 °, in particular from 0 to 15 ° a simultaneous movement of the rotatable container of the free fall mixer over the Drive from 20 to 70 revolutions per minute and in particular from 30 to 60 revolutions per minute is set. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that that the Process products after discharge from the free fall mixer be treated in a reaction zone. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that it the reaction path is a pneumatic fluidized bed and / or a conveyor belt and / or a mixer.