DE3312774A1 - SOFTENING DETERGENT FOR TEXTILES AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF - Google Patents

Description

description

The present invention relates to a plasticizing, partially

Small synthetic detergent for textiles and 5

a process for its manufacture. In particular, the invention relates to softening detergents for textiles, which contain bentonite, as finely divided bentonite powder onto larger particles of the detergent composition is agglomerated, as well as a process for making such detergent compositions.

It is known that spray-dried detergent compositions, which are offered for use in automatic washing machines have a larger proportion of 5

may contain particulate heavy duty detergent products. However, laundry washed with such detergent compositions can be uncomfortably hard or "board-like" stiff Be under control, especially when on a leash

instead of being dried in an automatic dryer. It 20

fabric softeners are therefore already added sometimes in the rinse cycle of the washing process and sometimes in an automatic tumble dryer, wherein the softener on the surface of the laundry

deposits. Waxy fabric softeners such as quaternary 25

Ammonium halides have also been used in detergents, but have the disadvantage that only one A smaller proportion of such a plasticizer is not drained off with the wash water, so only a small one Amount remains on the laundry. Such cationic materials also react with anionic surfactants and fluorescent ones Brightening dyes, which is undesirable and disadvantageous is.

Bentonite has already been used in detergent compositions as a filler and as a softening agent. The bentonite particles, which are extremely small in particle size, tend to adhere to the washing To adhere to the material and to form gliding areas on such material, making them softer to the touch. However, various naturally occurring bentonites, such as Wyoming bentonite, tend to be beneficial in themselves Softening agents can be applied in detergent compositions to cause off-color or brownish Shades, which can adversely affect the appearance of the products containing these bentonites. This effect is even more objectionable when the bentonite is used as a surface coating for surfactant particles or -bead is used (because an agglomeration is the 5th

Bentonite color seems to intensify and also because that Color is not masked by other components of the beads). In addition, bentonite, which is commonly in the form of a finely divided powder is present, during storage of other, larger particles of the detergent composition disconnect if it is not firmly attached to them.

The object of the present invention is to provide one

emollient, particulate synthetic detergents, 25th

which overcomes the disadvantages caused by subsequently added bentonite. Besides, it is an object of the invention to provide softening detergent products which are less prone to caking than conventional detergent compositions and which have a more uniform appearance than the previously known products with bentonite agglomerates, those with detergent pellets are mixed, have. Another object of the invention is to provide detergent products in which the beads have greater strength than conventional ones

Detergent products in the soap mixer or afterwards Clay is incorporated in the form of a powder. In the end the softening detergent according to the invention is said to have better flowability than corresponding products

that have a comparable amount of sticky materiao

lien included in the detergent composition.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a plasticizing, Particulate synthetic detergent for textiles, which is characterized in that it a mixture of 10 to 60% by weight particles of a detergent composition with finely divided bentonite powder that adhered to the outer surface of the particles, and 90 up to 40% by weight detergent particles without such bentonite powder

contains.
15th

In preferred embodiments of the invention is the detergent composition in the form of spray-dried white spheres and the bentonite in the form of an off-color or yellowish brown powder, the amount of bentonite making up 20 to 80% of the spheres on which they one Part of the surface occupies, with the bentonite on these spheres thanks to a small amount of sodium silicate binder is being held. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, those covered with bentonite 25th

The beads contain a greater content of sticky synthetic organic surfactants than the beads without bentonite on the Surface.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a softening, particulate synthetic detergent, which is characterized in that finely divided bentonite powder and larger detergent particles so agglomerated together that the bentonite powder adheres to the outer surface of the detergent particles, and that 10 to 60% by weight of these detergent particles covered with bentonite are not covered with 90 to 40% by weight with bentonite Detergent particles mixed.

In preferred embodiments of this invention the bentonite powder with spray-dried beads made from synthetic organic detergent compositions mixed and in that a dilute aqueous sodium silicate solution is sprayed onto the mixture during mixing is agglomerated.

Such a method is also suitable for the preparation of detergent compositions in which all Detergent particles are agglomerated with bentonite when the bentonite is of excellent purity so that Wrong colors are not objected to, or if the beads are colored or pigmented.

In accordance with the present invention, a process for preparing a particulate, fabric softening synthetic organic detergent composition is that a smaller amount of a finely divided bentonite powder is mixed together with a larger amount of larger detergent particles and that on the surface of this mixture a smaller amount of an aqueous Sodium silicate solution sprayed on while the mixture is agitated, so that new surfaces of the mixture are continuously sprayed by the spray, the aqueous sodium silicate solution being present in a concentration of 2 to 8 % and being sprayed on in such an amount that about 0.1 Precipitate up to 0.4 % sodium silicate and about up to 8 % moisture on the mixture.

Mixing is done after applying the aqueous sodium silicate solution continued and the agglomerated particulate detergent, on the surface of which the bentonite powder adheres, removed.

The bentonite particles are preferably in a particle size such that essentially all of the particles pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.074 mm; Particularly preferred is a bentonite powder, its Particles all pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.044 mm. The detergent particles are spray dried Particles of a composite synthetic organic detergent having a particle size in the range from 2.38 to 0.149 mm, particularly preferably from 2.00 to 0.250 mm. The sodium silicate used has a Na_0: SiOp ratio of about 1: 2.4, and the droplets of the Sodium silicate sprays have a diameter of no more than 1 mm, preferably in the range from 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

The process is carried out in a rotating drum mixer (free-fall mixer), which extends lengthways at an angle of about 2 to 15 ° to the horizontal, the first mixing being within the upstream located third of the drum, the spraying and agglomeration within the middle third of the drum and the subsequent mixing is carried out in the downstream third of the drum.

The present invention is explained further below in connection with the figures. They represent:

Figure 1 shows a schematic central longitudinal section of a rotating drum mixer (free-fall mixer) further equipment necessary in the practice of the method according to the invention can be used;

Figure 2 shows a cross section through the rotary drum

of the mixer along surface 2-2; it shows the spray of the silicate solution on the mixing Detergent and bentonite particles. 35

The detergent particles which in the present invention are the base particles, a portion of which is based on the Surface agglomerated with a finely divided bentonite powder can be any suitable particles prepared in any suitable way are. However, spray-dried particles with particle sizes in the range of 2.38 are particularly preferred to 0.49 mm, preferably from 2.38 or 2.00 to 0.250 mm and particularly preferably from 2.00 to 0.42 or 0.250 mm. Usually such products contain a synthetic organic detergent that is either an anionic or nonionic surfactant, a builder for the surfactant, auxiliaries and includes moisture.

The various anionic surfactants that can be used include unbranched higher alkylbenzene sulfonates, higher alkyl sulfates and higher fatty alcohol polyethoxylate sulfates usually in the form of their sodium salts, the are particularly preferred. Preferably the higher alkyl radical in the alkylbenzenesulfonate is linear with average 11 or 12 to 15 carbon atoms, e.g. 12 or 13 carbon atoms, the sulfonate being in the form of the sodium salt. However, other alkylbenzenesulfonates, e.g. 10 or 12 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups can be used. The alkyl sulfate is preferably a higher fatty alkyl sulfate with 10 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably with 12 to 16 carbon atoms, e.g. 12 carbon atoms, also in the form of the sodium salt. The higher alkyl ethoxamer sulfates similarly have 10 or 12 or 18 carbon atoms, e.g.

12 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, which is preferably a fatty alkyl radical, and the content of ethoxy groups is normally at 3 to 30 ethoxy groups per mole, preferably at 3 or 5 to 20 ethoxy groups per mole Form of the sodium salt preferred. The alkyl groups are accordingly preferably linear or higher fatty alkyl groups

with 10 to 18 carbon atoms, the cation is preferably sodium, and if a polyethoxy chain is present, then it is located the sulfate residue at the end of the chain. Other suitable anionic surfactants are the higher olefin sulfonates and Paraffin sulfonates, for example the sodium salts, where the olefin or paraffin group has 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Specific examples of preferred surfactants are sodium tridecylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfate, sodium tallow alcohol polyethoxy sulfate with three ethoxy groups and hydrogenated sodium tallow alcohol sulfate. In addition to the The preferred surfactants mentioned can also contain other compounds from this group, especially in smaller amounts, to be present. Mixtures can also be used and in some cases these are even more effective than that individual surfactants. The various anionic surfactants are well known and are extensively described by US Pat Schwartz, Perry and Berch in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents", Volume II, Interscience Publishers, Inc. (1958), Pages 25-138.

Although various nonionic surfactants with suitable physical properties including condensation products of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with each other and can be used with hydroxyl-containing bases such as nonylphenol or oxo alcohols are very special prefers those nonionic surfactants which are a condensation product of ethylene oxide and higher fatty alcohols. In these products, the fatty alcohol has 10 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 16 carbon atoms, and the nonionic alcohol Surfactant contains about 3 to 20 or 30 ethylene oxide groups per mole, preferably 6 to 12 ethylene oxide groups per mole Mol. Very particularly preferred as a nonionic surfactant is a compound which has a higher fatty alcohol residue with about Has 12 to 13 or 15 carbon atoms and about 6 to 7 or 11 moles of ethylene oxide. Such surfactants are under the trade

names Neodol 23-6.5 and 25-7 (Shell Chemical Company). About the specific beneficial properties These non-ionic surfactants, apart from their good washing power for oily soiling, belong to the comparative range low melting point, which is however noticeably above room temperature, so that the products on the basic spheres (the May contain builder salts, but usually little or no surfactant) can be sprayed on as a liquid, that solidifies. If non-ionic surfactants as a spray

^ q can be applied to the detergent pellets, then a such spray exclusively for surface coating of the beads with bentonite can be applied, or part of the nonionic surfactant can be used together with the Builder salt and stable auxiliaries spray-dried will. Alternatively and sometimes preferred (but this is rare) the nonionic surfactants can be applied to the agglomerated Bentonite basic spheres or a mixture of such spheres with products not containing bentonite be sprayed.

As the water-soluble builder, one or more of the conventional materials that have hitherto been used can be used used as a builder or suggested for this purpose. These include inorganic or organic Builders and their mixtures. Among the inorganic builders, the various phosphates are preferred, especially polyphosphates such as tripolyphosphates and pyrophosphates such as pentasodium tripolyphosphate and tetrasodium pyrophosphate. Also trisodium nitrilotr

3Q acetate (NTA), preferably as a monohydrate, and others Nitrilotriacetates, e.g., disodium nitrilotriacetate preferred organic builder salts. Sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate and NTA can both be used in hydrated as well as in anhydrous form. Other effective water soluble builders include the various

inorganic and organic phosphates, borates, e.g. borax, citrates, gluconates, EDTA and iminodiacetates. Preferably the various water-soluble builders are used in the form of their alkali metal salts, namely the Sodium and / or potassium salts, with sodium salts normally being particularly preferred.

The silicates, preferably sodium silicates with a Na_O: SiO ₂ ratio in the range from 1: 1.6 to 1: 3.0, preferably 1: 2 to 1: 2.8, e.g. 1: 2.35 or 1: 2, 4, also serve as water-soluble builder salts, but are particularly useful for promoting agglomeration because of their strong binding properties. The silicate content ■ in the product will normally not exceed 10 or 15% , with levels of 5 to 15 % being suitable,

preferably 3 to 7 or 8% if no zeolites are present, and 0 to 2 or 5% if zeolites are present (with only small amounts of silicates acting as binders applied to the bentonite to the detergent or

to bind the detergent base particles when zeolite is pre-20

lies). In some cases it may be desirable to add free flowing sodium silicate afterwards, e.g., hydrated sodium silicate particles.

In addition to the water-soluble builders mentioned, it is also possible to use water-insoluble builders, for example zeolites, in particular zeolite A, preferably in hydrated form, for example with 20 % water.

The bentonite used is a colloidal clay (aluminum silicate) with a content of montmorillonite. The bentonite clay type, which is particularly suitable for the production of the basic beads according to the invention is a sodium bentonite (or Wyoming or western bentonite), the

usually a light to off-white or yellowish-35

brown very fine powder which "forms a colloidal suspension with strongly thixotropic properties in water. The swelling capacity of clay in water is usually in the range of 3 to 15 or 20 ml / g, preferably 7 to 15 ml / g, and its Viscosity at a concentration of 6% in water is usually in the range from 0.003 to 0.03 Pa.s, preferably from 0.008 to 0.03 Pa.s. The preferred swelling bentonites of this type are sold under the trade name Mineral Colloid as industrial bentonites by by the Benton Clay Company, a subsidiary of Georgia Kaolin Co. These products, which correspond to those previously sold under the trade name THIXO-JEL, are selectively mined and processed bentonites, of which the commercially available mineral colloid No. 101 etc., which corresponds to the earlier products THIXO-JEL No. 1, 2, 3 and 4. These products have a pH value in the range of 6% in water calibrated from 8 to 9.4, a maximum free moisture content of about 8 % and a specific gravity of about 2.6. The powdery products are of such a quality that about 85 % of the particles pass a sieve with a mesh size of 0.074 mm. Recycled Western or Wyoming bentonite is preferred as a component of the compositions of the invention, but other bentonites including the synthetic bentonites (e.g., those obtained from bentonites with exchangeable calcium and / or magnesium by sodium carbonate treatment) are useful. The particle size can also be reduced so that all bentonite particles pass a sieve with a mesh size of 0.044 mm.

While it is desirable to limit the maximum free moisture content as noted above, it is more importantly to ensure that the deployed

Bentonite traps enough free moisture, most of which is suspected between adjacent sheets of bentonite. This facilitates the rapid disintegration of the bentonite and neighboring materials in the particles when they are brought into contact with water. It has been found that at least about 2 %, preferably at least 3 %, and more preferably about 4 % or more of water should be present in the bentonite before it is mixed together with the other ingredients of the detergent in the crutcher, and that such proportions should also be present after spray drying or any other drying. In other words, overdrying to the point at which the bentonite loses its "internal" moisture can be very detrimental to the serviceability of the compositions according to the invention. If the moisture content of the bentonite is too low, then the bentonite will not contribute satisfactorily to the disintegration of the globules in the wash water. If the bentonite has sufficient moisture content, it can have an effective replaceable calcium oxide content in the range of about 1 to 1.8% and a corresponding magnesium oxide content of 0.04 to 0.41 % . Typical chemical analyzes of such substances give values of 64.8 to 73.0 % SiO ₅ , 14 to 18% Al ₂ O ₃ , 1.6 to 2.7% MgO, 1.3 to 3.1 % CaO, 2, 3 to 3.4 % Fe ₃ O ₃ , 0.8 to 2.8 % Na ₂ O and 0.4 to 7.0 % K ₃ O.

Although a number of auxiliary materials, such as optical brighteners, Pigments, e.g. ultramarine blue, titanium dioxide, polyacrylate and inorganic filler salts added to the soap mixer other auxiliary substances, such as perfumes, Enzymes, bleaches, some dyes, bactericides, fungicides, and flow-promoting agents, often on the Basic pellets sprayed on or in some other way with the basic pellets or the spray-dried detergent compound

mixed composition, together with non-ionic surfactants to be added subsequently or individually, so that they are not adversely affected by elevated temperatures in the spray drying process and their presence in the spray-dried beads does not prevent the absorption of non-ionic surfactants if these are subsequently applied be sprayed on the beads. Stable and normally solid excipients are also often used at the beginning the slurry mixed in the soap mixer. Further less stable auxiliaries can also be added subsequently to the agglomerate.

Of course, water is also present in the soap mixer to act as a medium for dispersing the various other ingredients of the detergent pellets, and some water is present in the products in both free and hydrated forms. During the drying of the beads, the initial moisture content, which is about 25 to 60%, can be decreased to about 5 to 15% , such a moisture content being sufficient that the bentonite in the dried beads is at least 2 % and preferably at least 4 % moisture contains. The use of deionized water is preferred so that the level of ions that cause hardness in the water can be very low and the level of metal ions that can cause the decomposition of organic materials present in the soap mix or in the post-added materials can be, favor, is reduced to a minimum. However, tap water can also be used. Typically the hardness of such water is less than about 300 ppm, calculated as CaCO,., Preferably less than 150 ppm.

The proportions of the various ingredients in the basic pellets and in the spray-dried detergent pellets

are chosen to be effective detergents with acceptable flow properties and suitable bulk density as well as a desired appearance. In most cases, the products obtained are preferably white, with the Exception that the bentonite-coated spheres often appear dark in color (wrong color), if they are carefully examined. If desired, a whitening agent such as TiO 2 can be used in an amount of 0.2 to 5%, based on the amount of bentonite. According to the invention, however, dyes or Pigments are used in the soap mixer mix, so that the spray-dried beads (or the beads otherwise made) are colored.

It has been found that detergent pellets are satisfactory can be produced, which 2 or 5 to 30 or 35 wt.%, preferably 5 or 15 to 25 or 30 wt.%, e.g. 6 to 15% by weight or 20 to 25% by weight of the synthetic organic surfactant, preferably an anionic surfactant, 20 or 30 to 90% by weight, preferably 30 or 35 to or 85% by weight and particularly preferably 35 or 45 to 70% by weight of a builder, 0.2 or 0.5 to 35 or 40% by weight, preferably 0.5 or 1 to 20 or 30% by weight and particularly preferably 1 to 10% by weight or 1 to 20% by weight of one or more auxiliaries and 3 to 20% by weight, preferably 4 to 15% by weight and particularly preferably 5 to 12% by weight, e.g. 7 or 8% by weight, of moisture. Such globules which are produced by normal spray drying processes or by other equivalent means usually have a characteristic spherical or other known shape which can be obtained by spray drying and which often result in ideal core particles onto which the bentonite powder can be agglomerated. They have usually a bulk density in the range of 0.2 to

3 3

0.7 g / cm, especially from 0.3 to 0.4 g / cm, e.g.

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3
• 0.35 g / cm. Particle size is usually in the range of 2.38 to 0.149 mm, with particles outside this range being removed by sieving or other separation methods. Most preferably, the particle sizes of the beads are in the range of 2.38 or 2.00 to 0.42 or 0.250 mm and the resulting beads are white or colored and would have an adverse appearance by applying commercial yellow-brown or off-color bentonite particles to their surfaces even if it is used experimentally to enhance the original color of the beads. If the spheres, the surfaces of which are covered with bentonite, are to be used directly, ie without being mixed with detergent spheres, then those with a white appearance are preferred, even if a whitening agent, for example titanium dioxide, is also to be used.

It has been found that in a mixture of 10 to 60% by weight detergent particles which have an agglomerate of finely divided bentonite powder on their surface, and 90 to 40% by weight detergent particles without such bentonite powder the human eye does not see the dark areas of the detergent pellets covered with bentonite and also no adverse speckling of the product noticed, at least not in comparison with products of similar composition, in which the bentonite powder is uniformly distributed over the spray-dried beads or in which only bentonite agglomerates are used, so that the invention Detergent was not perceived by the consumer to be flawless in terms of color appearance will. Preferred ranges for such a mixture are 20 to 50% by weight and 30 to 45% by weight, e.g. 40% by weight, for the material covered with bentonite on the surface and the respective remainder of uncoated detergent particles. The weight percentage of the bentonite on the surface

the detergent pellet is usually in the range from 10 or 20 to 80%, preferably from 35 to 65% and most preferably from 40 to 60%, e.g. at 50% of the Product to be mixed with bentonite-free detergent particles. When the agglomerated particles are to be used directly, i.e. without mixing with other detergent particles, then the appropriate Parts by weight in the range from 10 to 30%, preferably from 15 to 25%, e.g. at 20% of the product.

It has also been found that the application of this is proportionate large amounts of bentonite does not result in any significant change in the particle size, since the spray-dried Globules are not massive; however, it can lead to a

. certain magnification, e.g. from about 5 to 15% or 30% come the bead diameter. Due to this relatively small increase in particle dimensions, there are no Caused sedimentation or "buoyancy" problems, rather, the presence of the bentonite on the outer surfaces of the beads appears to act to cause a Separation of particles of different sizes during storage (compared to particles with a smooth surface, similar t non-sticky beads) is prevented. In addition, this does not result in any disadvantageous changes in the bulk density of the product.

The application of the bentonite to the detergent pellets (which in some cases consist of inorganic builders, if non-ionic surfactants are to be added subsequently) can be done with the help of standardized agglomeration techniques and devices are carried out, for example with a rotating drum mixer-agglomerator, as shown schematically in the figures.

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One method that has been found to be particularly advantageous is to add the desired amounts by weight of the Detergent pellets and the finely divided bentonite powder to mix with each other and water while mixing

or, preferably, a dilute sodium silicate solution 5

spray particles on moving surfaces. The spraying can be carried out at room temperature and occurs gradually enough to prevent undesirable clumping of the mixture. The mixing will

continued in a known manner until all bentonite-10

powder sticks to the detergent pellets, whereupon

stopping mixing and sieving or otherwise classifying the product for particle size to provide a product within the desired particle size range.
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The silicate solution which is used when the agglomerate is to be mixed with detergent particles normally has a concentration of from 0.05 to 10%, preferably from 0.2 to 6 %, for example 1.2 or 4 %. It will be a

sufficient amount is applied so that it will be present on the beads in an amount of from 0.01 to 2%, for example from 0.02 to 0.2 or 0.4%. At such use concentrations, a satisfactory agglomeration and surface coating is obtained when using a suitable agglomeration

merieranlage, for example an O ¹ Brien agglomerator or a conventional inclined drum, which is equipped with spray nozzles, partitions, etc. Furthermore, the moisture sprayed on the beads is not applied in excess; usually it is in the range

from about 1 to 10% of the weight of the beads, for example 2 to 5 %, which means a lower moisture content based on the end product. The product obtained is sufficiently strong to be able to withstand the effects of handling, packaging and storage without

that undesirable pulverization or loss

occurs at the bentonite coating. Fenner is the concentration of silicate not so high as to prevent the bentonite from dispersing in the wash water when the product is used is used in washing processes. Although silicate is preferably used in the agglomeration spray, it is preserved products are also suitable if only water alone is used as the agglomerating agent, or aqueous solutions other binders are used, e.g. rubber, resins, surfactants Agents (surfactants); but even in the absence of such products, the bentonite usually has sufficient binding properties to form coated particles of the desired physical stability found in the Disperse wash water quickly.

If desired, a dye can be added to the liquid spray to be used for agglomeration so that the obtained particles are colored. The dye concentration is normally less than 1 %, based on the liquid to be sprayed, for example 0.01 to 0.1 %. Using the dye only on the particles covered with bentonite on the surface results in a detergent product with an attractive appearance in which the "softener particles" can be identified by the dye. If all of the product is to be colored (with blue being a preferred color), all of the base beads can be colored as well. In particular, ultramarine blue pigments can be mixed together with the other ingredients of the spray dried detergent composition, while acilan blue or polar brilliant blue (dyes) can be sprayed onto the surfaces of the agglomerated bentonite particles.

In one embodiment of the invention, a part or the entire amount of the particularly sticky constituents of the end product in the spheres covered with bentonite

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the surface are to be provided, are incorporated, thereby improving the flowability of the product obtained can be. Subsequently, such beads are finely divided with a protective film of agglomerated , - Bentonite particles coated so that the sticky component is located under the bentonite surface and thereby is prevented from impairing the good flowability. The other detergent particles that do not have such an ingredient contain, have a better flowability,. as if they also had such a sticky ingredient were included.

The sticky material can also serve to prevent agglomeration to promote the bentonite and its firm bond to the surfaces of the base particles. For this reason 15th

In a further embodiment of the invention, some or all of the synthetic organic surfactants, either an aqueous solution of an anionic surfactant or a nonionic surfactant in the liquid state, are sprayed onto the base particles of the detergent composition before they are mixed with the bentonite. This subsequent spraying on of the surfactant results rather than a corresponding incorporation of part or the entire amount of the surfactant in the mixer with subsequent spray drying, an improvement in the spray drying process and do ■ -

increases the throughput speed in the spray tower. In cases where flowability is not a problem and in which relatively large proportions of nonionic surfactants are subsequently applied to the surfaces of the detergent base beads are to be sprayed on, it is of course not necessary or desirable to use all or more than to apply a proportionate portion thereof to the bentonite-covered beads; where however the fluidity is not satisfactory, this embodiment can

the invention provides the necessary means for a noticeable 35

Deliver improvement. If at least part of the synthetic Organic surfactants should be spray-dried in the basic beads, then contain those with bentonite spheres to be coated normally at least 10%, preferably 25% and particularly preferably 50% more surfactants than the rest of the globules.

After the spheres covered with bentonite on the surface have been produced, you can then use them with ._ materials to be added subsequently are mixed, or such materials can be sprayed onto the spherical surfaces. Usually, however, those with Bentonite coated spheres on their surface first with the remainder of the spray dried detergent composition mixed, whereupon materials to be added subsequently mixed with them or brought together in some other way can be. These materials include enzyme powder, bleach, and perfumes. Optionally, these Materials can also be applied or mixed together with the various globules before the one with bentonite covered beads and the other detergent beads are mixed together. It is also possible to have some add the auxiliary substances subsequently to the detergent pellets before these pellets are provided with the bentonite however, such a procedure is usually not practiced. After mixing the different The mixture can be stored for 1 to 24 hours to dry proportions of the present constituents, for example but usually no such drying time is required. The particles can then with mixed with the desired auxiliaries, if this has not already been done earlier. After that the finished Mixture transported to the packaging system, packed, inserted into containers, stored and / or dispatched.

- 27 - * »" »■ - - - 331277 ^

The products obtained according to the invention appear when the detergent pellets are white, noticeably whiter as corresponding products in which the bentonite is evenly distributed over all particles. This phenomenon

seems to depend on the mixing proportions of the beads and 5

to a certain extent also depend on their particle size. It is also important that the invention Products do not look speckled, even though they contain both white and brownish colored particles. the Detergents according to the invention nevertheless appear uniform

and of light color. If lower proportions of the bentonite covered particles are applied as the lower limit of the "widest range given above." corresponds to, whereby the darker color of such particles does not make itself unpleasantly noticeable, then the lies

Bentonite content of the product usually lower than desired. When a greater proportion of covered with bentonite Particle is used as the upper limit of the widest range given above then the product will be noticeably darker and incorrectly colored

and its appearance will appear objectionable to the average consumer, so the product difficult to market.

There are no specific reflection sub-

differences indicated as the natural and synthetic Bentonites that are commercially available are of different nature and accordingly also different Have shades; however, the differences are with With the help of a reflection meter, e.g. with a Hunter Re-

flexometer, or with the help of a spectrophotometer verifiable. However, it is usually not necessary to use such tools to identify the differences in the Apply color as these differences are also easy to see visually

recognized by the average consumer. 35

When the bentonite and the non-bentonite on the surface beads, as above executed, contain surfactants in different percentages, and when the surfactants are applied to the beads that are to be coated with bentonite, then the products obtained show an improved flowability, less tackiness to the touch and less tendency to clump together when stored in containers. The improvements in such properties are due to ._ standard tests applied in the detergent industry e.g. by checking the flow time and the natural slope angle and compaction tests, verifiable.

It is therefore evident that the properties of the 15th

Detergent end product can be improved without the use of auxiliaries are needed to improve color, flow, or non-stickiness. The expenses for Such auxiliaries and their sometimes undesirable additional properties are thereby avoided. Because only part of the If detergent pellets are subjected to agglomeration, the throughput times in the agglomeration plant are reduced. In this way there are advantages for the composition according to the invention as well as for that according to the invention Process obtained, and that the end product has surprising improvements compared to a product whose detergent particles are all coated with the same total amount of bentonite.

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples, without being restricted to the examples. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight.

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example 1

It became a detergent of the following composition manufactured:

Unbranched sodium tridecyl

benzenesulfonate 12

10 pentasodium tripolyphosphate, hydrated Sodium silicate (Na "O: SiO = 1: 2.4) Sodium sulfate

. ₌ Borax 1 5

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Bentonite (Mineral Colloid No. 101, with a particle size smaller than 0.074 mm, 7% H ₂ O)

20 perfume moisture

100.00

The above detergent composition has been carried out

Spray drying a mixture of the components with the exception of the bentonite and the perfume (and small amounts of silicate which were added afterwards), the moisture content of the mixture coming from the mixer being about 35 % and the spray drying

in a standardized technical countercurrent spray drying tower has been carried out under normal conditions, with the air drying temperature in the range of 200 up to 400 C. Spherical particles with normal particle size distribution in the range of 2.00 were obtained up to 0.149 mm. Part of these globules became

34 , 5 7th 12th , 5 2 , 0 0 20th 0 12th

.30- "· ■■ - ·· · ■■■ ^: · - ■ ■■ · 331ZV74

in an O'Brien agglomerator or in a similar agglomerating plant transferred and mixed there with an equal amount by weight of bentonite. While mixing continued was applied to the surfaces of the moving parts Chen sprayed a 5% aqueous sodium silicate solution at room temperature, a total of about 0.04 Parts by weight of the spray was applied. Agglomeration was continued for about 20 minutes during which time Time some moisture evaporated. According to this, essentially all of the particles had a particle size in the range from 2.38 to 0.149 mm. Particles outside of this range were removed. 1.5 times the weight the remaining particles (without added water) of the spray-dried detergent pellets without bentonite

._ coating was then covered with bentonite The beads are mixed in a mixing drum for 20 minutes. Then the product was mixed with perfume and in Packed cardboard boxes. The spray dried product used here had a moisture content of about 8 to

__ 10 %. However, this can be changed if you use beads and bentonite with different moisture contents and vary the spray accordingly.

A comparison of the manufactured product with a control product, which was prepared in a similar manner, but with all surfactant particles coated with bentonite (the total amount of bentonite being the same as in the end product according to the invention), showed that the product according to the invention is lighter in the __ Color, more uniform in appearance (not blotchy) and for that Eye is more attractive, which makes it more appealing to the consumer.

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To produce a colored product, 0.2 % ultramarine blue pigment in the spray-dried beads with 0.004% acelane blue on the bentonite agglomerates is sufficient for color matching. Even if in the agglomerating spray

if the silicate is absent, satisfactory products can be obtained 5

can be obtained, however, on aging, such a product can crumble much more easily.

The method described above can be changed in this regard

be that 0.3 parts of enzyme powder (Alcalase, 2 Anton-Ein-10

units per gram) in tablet or powder form. Before perfuming, the improvement is still evident in the appearance of the product.

-l 5 The various products described in this example are all satisfactory fabric softening agents particulate detergents used in automatic Washing machines are well suited as coarse detergents for washing soiled laundry.

Example 2

A detergent product was prepared according to the formulation of Example 1 by spray drying two different compositions, one composition containing 24 % and the other composition 12 % of linear sodium tridecylbenzenesulphonate. The difference was compensated for by lowering or increasing the sodium sulphate content. The product with the higher content of anionic surfactants (and lower sulfate content) felt stickier; this product was coated with the same amount by weight of bentonite powder (the particles of which passed through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.044 mm). Then the agglomerate obtained was 1.5 times its weight

with beads not covered with bentonite on the surface, which had a lower content of anionic surfactants, mixed. The mixture was then perfumed in the usual way.

The obtained product showed an improved flowability as compared with the product of Example 1, apparently due to the "insulating" effect of those on the surface of the beads with a higher content of anionic , _ Surfactants agglomerated bentonite particles. Due to the The stickiness of such beads could also be reduced, namely in the amount of silicate solution applied in some cases up to half the amount used in Example 1. Besides being that way one Product obtained that has better flowability, a ο

shows less stickiness and less tendency to cake on storage than the products of the example 1 (although these products are perfectly acceptable for technical purposes) encourages the presence of the larger ones The amount of anionic surfactants in the bentonite-containing beads causes faster disintegration and faster Dispersion of these spheres in the wash water, this improvement being the presence of a smaller amount of silicate in the bentonite material on the surface

is supported. As in example 1, in some 25

If the silicate in the agglomerating spray is also missing or due to corresponding amounts of another binding agent, such as sodium polyacrylate, polyvinylpyrolidone or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, be replaced. An additional benefit of the method described in this example consists in the fact that the amount of bentonite fines, which sometimes occur together with the bentonite agglomerates, is reduced, which is in part attributed to the sticky surfactant.

Example 3

The method according to Example 1 was changed insofar as the content of anionic surfactant in the spray-dried th bead was lowered from 15 to 14% and the remaining anionic surfactant on the surface of the portion the beads to be coated with bentonite were sprayed on. The agglomerating spray has also been changed. The sprayed aqueous material had a solids concentration of about 10%. When the manufactured product too became sticky, a heat and air flow could be used to reduce the moisture content, thereby reducing the stickiness to an acceptable level. The properties of the resulting detergent

_l ₅ telzusammensetzung obtained after mixing the bentonite-covered on the surface of beads with the beads without bentonite, are comparable to the properties of the products prepared according to Example 2. FIG.

Example 4

The linear sodium tridecylbenzenesulfonate in the formulation of Example 1 was replaced by hydrogenated sodium tallow alcohol polyethoxy sulfate with three ethoxy groups, hydrogenated

_{? (} - Sodium tallow alcohol sulfate, sodium paraffinsulfonate or sodium olefin sulfonate with 16 carbon atoms in the paraffin or olefin group or replaced by a two-component mixture of these compounds (with equal proportions of both components), resulting in products whose properties match those of the products Example 1. This also applies if the total content of pentasodium tripolyphosphate and sodium sulfate is replaced by pentasodium polyphosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, zeolite A or an equal proportion of a mixture of two of these

", _ Components is replaced. Even if the percentage of bentonite

for the bead coating was changed to 15% and 25%, respectively, acceptable products with improved appearance were obtained. The same also applies when the proportion of the bentonite-coated particles is changed to 15 and 25 %, respectively.

Example 5

22nd CJl 16 0 32 5 1, 9, 0, 19th

Sodium carbonate sodium bicarbonate

Zeolite A, hydrated (20% moisture)

Fluorescent brightener (Tinopal) moisture perfume

non-ionic surfactant (Neodol 23-6.5) 20

100.00

Detergent spheres with the above composition were made from 60% solids by spray drying containing soap mixer mix prepared, wherein the beads all of the above ingredients with the exception of the perfume and the nonionic surfactant contained; the latter ingredients were post sprayed onto the surfaces of the moving beads (although the perfume is preferably applied to the bentonite-containing beads after agglomeration will). Due to the content of zeolite A, the nonionic surfactant was absorbed satisfactorily. A part this composition was applied to the surface with a

- 3o -

Part of the bentonite powder (particle size smaller than 0.044 mm) agglomerated, the particles appearing yellowish-brown in color after coating. After the agglomeration When finished, 1 1/2 parts of the non-bentonite-containing detergent pellets were mixed with the bentonite-containing one Mixed product. The final product obtained was an excellent detergent type softening agent non-ionic composite heavy duty detergent which was whiter in appearance than a control product which . " at the same total concentration of bentonite from particles existed, all of which contained bentonite agglomerated on the surface. The product according to the invention is a satisfactory heavy duty detergent.

In a modification of this inventive method, a small amount of 0.1 % of a blue dye (acilan blue) was added to the silicate solution and sprayed together with it onto the surfaces of the particles in the agglomerator, whereby the particles were colored.

If the manufacturing process is changed in such a way, that a larger amount of nonionic surfactant, e.g. 1/10 to 1/4 more, on the bentonite to be coated If the beads are sprayed on the beads, which are not so coated, then products with improved results are obtained Flowability and less stickiness.

The above description relates primarily to the manufacture of a plasticizing agent according to the invention Detergent product with improved color or appearance and improved flowability. Hereinafter describes in detail the preparation of a detergent composition which is agglomerated on detergent particles Contains bentonite. The resulting composition

can be mixed with other detergent particles or 35

used as such, i.e. without prior mixing with other ingredients.

κ In Figure 1 is an open-ended, inclined cylindrical Rotary drum 11 is shown, which rotates about an axis which has a relatively small acute angle to the horizontal forms, the rotation being in the direction indicated by arrows 13 and 15. The drum IQ 11 rests on rollers 17, 19 and 21 which are in the drum Rotate in the opposite direction (counterclockwise rather than clockwise when looking from looking to the left), causing them to turn the drum in the direction indicated.

The rotary drum 11 contains a mixture 23 of spray-dried compound synthetic organic detergent pellets and bentonite powder that is in the drum agglomerated onto the detergent pellets

2Q becomes the result of spraying a dilute sodium silicate solution on the particles while the mixture is in motion. The finished agglomerated softening detergent particles 25 are removed from the drum 11 via the removal device 27. Spray nozzles 29, 31 and 33 produce im

P ₅ essential conical spray of silicate solution, which is indicated by number 35. This silicate solution impacts the moving mixture of detergent globules and bentonite powder and promotes agglomeration of the powder on the surfaces of the globules, although in some cases the agglomerates can be formed from bentonite alone or detergent globules alone (the latter is less common). In the rotating drum, the right or upstream third or a similar part is the mixing zone where the bentonite and detergent pellets are dry mixed, the middle part is the spray and

: "■ .-- ..: 331277

Agglomeration zone while in the downstream third part or a similar part in which no more spraying takes place, the wetted particles and Agglomerates are finished to relatively free-flowing products, so that agglomerates of the desired shape and properties are obtained.

Although explained in the above description Rotary drum a preferred device used Equivalent or interchangeable devices can also be used. In addition to the rotating drum Supply facilities are provided from which the various components for the final product are supplied will. Thus, the storage container 37 contains the sodium silicate solution 39, which to the spray nozzles 29, 31 and 33 via line 41 is delivered. Storage container 43 contains detergent pellets 45, which are transported to storage hopper 47 via the conveyor belt 55 are delivered. Similarly, the storage container 51 contains bentonite powder 53, which is carried over the conveyor belt 55 is transported to the storage hopper 47. The arrows 57 and 59 indicate the directions in which the respective conveyor belts move.

A drum cross-section is shown in FIG. The mixture 23 is carried up the left drum wall in drum 11, the direction of rotation of the drum being indicated by arrow 13. While the mixture 23 along of the surface 61 falls down from the upper wall, the spray 35 composed of the aqueous silicate solution bounces off the nozzle 29 and the nozzles 31 and 33, not visible in this figure, is sprayed conically against the moving Mixture, moistens the surfaces of the detergent base pellets and promotes agglomeration of the bentonite the spheres, with the more finely divided bentonite powder usually adhering to the surfaces of the larger detergent parts

• · - ■ · - 33Ί2774

Chen remains stuck. In this way the constantly renewing surfaces or curtains are made of falling Particles brought into contact with the sprays and wetted substantially uniformly, at the same time the Silicate is applied to the particles, resulting in the production of a more uniform and better agglomerated product leads.

If those with the bentonite on their surface agglomerate th detergent particles are to be used directly, a silicate solution is preferably used to the To bind bentonite to the detergent particles. While the above solution concentrations and amounts can be used is the concentration of.

Silicate solution usually 2 to 8%, preferably 3 to 7 % and particularly preferably 3 to 6%, e.g. 4% or 5% A sufficient amount is used so that the silicate sprayed onto the beads is about 0.1 to 0.4 % , preferably 0.2 to 0.3 %, based on the weight of the end product. At such application concentrations and amounts, satisfactory agglomeration and surface coating are obtained using a rotating drum or other suitable agglomerating device. The moisture sprayed on the beads is not used in excess, the amount is usually 3 to 6 % based on the weight of the product.

Just like the products previously described, these products are sufficiently firm that they can be handled can be packaged and stored without undesirable pulverization or loss of bentonite coating entry. The concentration of silicate is not so high that it would be necessary to use the product in washing processes could affect the dispersion of the bentonite in the wash water. If desired, a dye can be used

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in the liquid spray used for agglomeration, so that the obtained particles are colored. The dye is normally used in a concentration of less than 1 %, based on the liquid spray, for example in a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1%.

After the provided with bentonite on the surface Beads are produced, they can then be mixed with materials to be added afterwards, or such materials can be sprayed onto the surfaces of the beads. These materials include Enzyme powders, bleaches and perfumes. Optionally, some of these materials can be combined with the basic beads or

. _{K are} mixed or brought together with the bentonite prior to agglomeration. After the agglomeration is complete, the products can be dried, for example, for 1 to 24 hours, but usually such drying is not necessary and the agglomerates can be mixed directly with the

P_ desired auxiliaries are mixed, if these have not been added earlier. The agglomerated beads produced are good detergents with excellent results softening properties. They are also free flowing, non-dusting, essentially non-friable

"J. and have good bead hardness and abrasion resistance.

Example 6

From 1009 parts of water, 2584 parts of a surfactant base material "_ (with about 37 % active ingredients and about 20% sodium sulfate and the rest of water), 841 parts of sodium silicate (with a Na" O: SiO _? Ratio 1: 2.4) , 1315 parts Pentana-

trium tripolyphosphate, 542 parts of anhydrous soda, Parts of sodium sulfate and 293 parts of an aqueous solution made of fluorescent brightener, a remedy against re-pollution, a stabilizer and others in lower 5

A slurry was prepared for amounts of the constituents present in dilute aqueous solution. After all the constituents had been added to a commercial laundry detergent mixer, mixing was carried out at a temperature of about 55 ° C. for 10 minutes, the solids content of the mixture being adjusted to about 58% during mixing. The mixture was then pumped into a countercurrent spray drying tower, where it was forced through 8 nozzles of the 10/10 type at a temperature of 52 ° C. under a pressure of about 24 bar. The temperatures in the tower were T = 41Ö ° C and T ₂ = 120 ° C. The surfactant beads produced had a moisture content of about 7% and the spray rate was about 900 kg / hour. The beads were sieved and those with a particle size ranging from 2.00 to 0.250 mm recovered. The globules

were white and had a bulk density of about 0.3 g / ml.

To get the finely divided bentonite onto the surfaces of the described spray-dried detergent pellets

agglomerate, a plant was used that essentially corresponds to that in FIGS. 1 and 2. To make the desired product with approximately 20% bentonite, was a bentonite powder with a particle size that all particles were a sieve with a clear mesh

te of 0.044 mm and mixed with the detergent pellets at a moisture content of about 5 % in a mixing ratio of 76.4 parts of the base pellets to 12.2 parts of bentonite. 3.8 parts of a 5% sodium silicate solution (Na “O: SiO_ = 1: 2.4) were on the

moving mixture in the rotating drum mixer agglomeration

_ ₄ - ^{:. ;;:} " ^: " ■ '■■■'"331277.

merator sprayed, with a spray lance with 6 nozzles (3 of which are shown in Figure 1), which exert a length of about 0.5 m distributed, was used. The spray pressure was about 5 bar, with a spray mist with individual droplets of a diameter in the range of about 0.1 to 0.5 mm. After about 8 minutes of mixing in the rotating Drum that was inclined at an angle of about 7 with the last third of the drum free of silicate spray the product was continuously removed and then 0.2 part of a suitable perfume was added and mixed with 0.4 part of an enzyme powder. When the procedure was modified, the enzyme was with the product mixed in the last third of the rotating drum, with or without perfume.

A particularly advantageous fabric softening detergent has been obtained which, if desired, can be sieved so that the particles have a particle size in the range from 2.00 to 0.250 mm or in the range from 2.38 to 0.149 mm. The bulk density of the product was about 0.35 or 0.4 g / ml and the product contained about 18% sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, 25 % sodium polyphosphate, 9.5 % sodium silicate, 9% anhydrous soda, 10 % sodium sulfate, 19 % bentonite, 0.4% enzyme powder, 0.2 % perfume, 0.1 %

_ot - fluorescent brightener and 9 % water. The detergent pellets were free flowing, non-sticky, and had sufficient strength for commercial use, easily dispersed in wash water, and had an attractive appearance. The product was thus an excellent heavy duty fabric softening detergent.

Example 7

The process according to Example 6 was repeated with the exception that the silicate solution used was 3 % sodium silicate

kat and the proportion of the solution used was 4 %, based on the total weight of the end product. A product was obtained with satisfactory flowability and globular hardness, which was abrasion-resistant and not friable, similar to the product from Example 6. Accordingly, the product was a satisfactory fabric-softening heavy-duty detergent.

Similar good results were obtained when the same proportion of a 6% sodium silicate solution was used. However, if the concentration of the silicate solution is 10%, the product is less than satisfactory and has a chunky appearance. If only water was used as the spray, an agglomerate was obtained which _Λ p. but tended to be higher in fines and generally less satisfactory than the agglomerates made using 2 to 8% sodium silicate solutions. From these and other experiments in which the proportion of silicate solution as a spray was varied, it can be seen that better products are obtained when the spray proportion is around 2 to 8% (based on the moist product) and the content of that deposited with the spray Silicate is 0.1 to 0.4 % of the product.

Example 8

The method according to Example 6 was modified so that instead of the anhydrous soda from the mixer, sodium __ sulfate was used. Further modifications could be carried out in such a way that the position of the spray nozzles in the rotating drum has been changed, so that the Bentonite was mixed with the detergent pellets in the first quarter of the drum, spraying in the middle

_oc half of the drum took place and the subsequent mixing 35

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was made in the last quarter of the drum. The product obtained was also a satisfactory fabric softening particulate heavy duty detergent, similar to the products of Examples 6 and 7. If a. blue dye, such as polar brilliant blue, was present at a concentration of 0.2 % (or from 0.01 to 0.4%) in the silicate spray solution, an attractively colored product was obtained. Ultramarine blue and other pigments can be used instead of the dye or together with the dye -IQ.

Example 9

There were changes in the mixer recipe, the temperature and the mixing times and methods and various spray-drying conditions in the spray tower used to produce the detergent base beads. With respect to the various ingredients of Examples 6 to 8, quantitative changes of £ 10% and on ± 20% and also the mixing times, the nozzle pressure and other conditions changed (but these changes remained within the limits of the ranges given above). This gave high-quality basic spheres with a bulk density in the range from 0.3 to 0.5 g / ml.

Furthermore, changes in the design of the nozzle shape, the pressure and the silicate concentration for the spray solutions, as previously described. As long as the silicate concentration, the amount of solution applied and the silicate deposited with the bentonite on the base beads were within the specified range get good products. This is also true if the bentonite concentration in the final product is within the range is varied from 15 to 25%. Similar results can also be obtained if the agglomerates with the bentonite

OvJ I L · Il H

through surfactant spheres made from non-priority surfactants Spraying of the liquid nonionic surfactant onto inorganic builder beads, after which the Agglomeration with bentonite and aqueous sodium silicate solution takes place.

Good products are also obtained if instead of finely divided bentonite (with a particle size below 0.044 mm), such as the commercially available product Thixo-Jel No. 1 (Mineral Colloid No. 1001), which is used in these Examples used, other bentonites are used, such as products made by the American Colloid Company, as well as other bentonites with exchangeable calcium and / or magnesium ions, the can be exchanged for sodium ions by treatment with sodium carbonate.

sy / do

Claims (18)

Softening detergent for textiles and process for its production. Patent claims 1. Softening particulate synthetic detergent for textiles, characterized in that it is a mixture of 10 to 60% by weight of particles of a Detergent composition with finely divided bentonite powder adhering to the outer surface of the particles adheres, and contains 90 to 40 wt.% detergent particles without such bentonite powder. 2. Detergent according to claim 1, characterized in that the particles have a particle size in the range of 2.38 to 0.149 mm and the particles covered with bentonite powder are substantially the same size or are larger than the other detergent particles. 3. Detergent according to claim 2, characterized in that the detergent particles are spray-dried beads are, the agglomerate particles have a particle size in the range of 2.38 to 0.250 mm and the individual Bentonite particles adhering to the detergent particles have such a particle size that they have a Pass a sieve with a mesh size of 0.074 mm. 4. Detergent according to Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that the spray-dried detergent pellets are white, the bentonite-covered pellets due to the natural color of the bentonite are incorrectly colored and the parts covered with bentonite and beads not covered with bentonite are chosen so that the product appears uniformly light-colored and color differences of the particles are not easily noticeable to the human eye. 5. Detergent according to claim 4, characterized in that the bentonite is retained on the detergent pellets by coating with sodium silicate, the silicate binder making up 0.01 to 2 % of the bentonite agglomerate particles. 6. Detergent according to claim 5, characterized in that the particles covered with bentonite have a higher Have content of sticky detergent components than the particles not covered with bentonite. 7. Process for making a plasticizing, particulate synthetic detergent, characterized in that finely divided bentonite powder and larger detergent particles thus agglomerate noted that the bentonite powder on the outer surface of the detergent particles adheres, and that 10 to 60% by weight of these detergent particles covered with bentonite mixed with 90 to 40% by weight detergent particles not covered with bentonite. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that that the detergent particles are spray-dried beads with a particle size in the range from 2.38 to 0.149 mm be used so that the bentonite powder that is agglomerated on the surface of the detergent pellets, has such a particle size before agglomeration that substantially all of the particles have a sieve pass a mesh size of 0.074 mm, and that the agglomeration by mixing the bentonite powder with the spray-dried detergent particles is carried out, while water is applied to the surfaces of the particles is sprayed. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that white spray-dried beads and off-color Bentonite powder are used, the proportion of the bentonite that is mixed with the detergent pellets and is agglomerated, 20 to 80 wt.%, and the agglomeration by mixing the bentonite powder takes place with the spray-dried detergent particles, while a dilute aqueous sodium silicate solution is sprayed onto the surface of these particles. 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that a sodium silicate with a Na "O: SiO" ratio in the range from 1: 1.6 to 1: 3.2 is used, the concentration of the sodium silicate in the aqueous Spray is 0.05 to 10 % and the proportion of sodium silicate, which serves as a binding agent to hold the bentonite powder on the spray-dried beads, is 0.01 to 2 % in the end product. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that a on the surface of the detergent particles Sticky surfactant is sprayed before agglomeration of the finely divided bentonite powder with these particles he follows. 12. A process for producing a softening particulate synthetic detergent, characterized in that a smaller proportion of a finely divided bentonite powder is mixed with a larger proportion of larger detergent particles, a smaller proportion of an aqueous sodium silicate solution is sprayed onto the surface of this mixture while the mixture is agitated so that new surfaces of the mixture are continuously sprayed by the spray, the aqueous sodium silicate solution being present in a concentration of 2 to 8 % and being sprayed on in such an amount that about 0.1 to 0.4% sodium silicate and about Precipitate 2 to 8 % moisture on the mixture, that mixing is continued after application of the aqueous sodium silicate solution and that the agglomerated particulate detergent, on the surface of which the bentonite powder is retained, is removed. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that a bentonite powder is used, which is before Agglomeration has a particle size such that substantially all of the particles have a sieve pass a clear mesh size of 0.074 mm, and that the detergent particles used have a particle size in the range from 2.38 to 0.149 mm before agglomeration, the bentonite makes up about 10 to 30% by weight of the softening detergent produced, a sodium silicate with a Na _? 0: SiO _p ratio in the range from 1: 1.6 to 1: 3.2 is used and the concentration of the sodium silicate in the aqueous spray is in the range from 3 to 7%. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that that a swelling bentonite is used as the bentonite and a spray-dried synthetic organic detergent composition is used as the detergent. The sodium silicate used is a Na _? 0: SiO “ratio in the range from 1: 2 to 1: 3, the aqueous sodium silicate spray droplets have an average diameter of no more than 1 mm and the mixing, spraying, agglomeration and subsequent mixing is carried out continuously in a rotating drum mixer . 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that that it is carried out in a rotating drum mixer which extends lengthways at an angle of 2-15 extends horizontally with the first mixing within the upstream third the drum, the spraying and agglomeration within the middle third of the drum, and then the Mixing is carried out in the downstream third of the drum, the detergent particles and the Bentonite powder continuously to the upstream At the end of the drum are added the sodium silicate solution from a large number of spray nozzles on the itself moving mixture is sprayed on and the obtained agglomerated product that has a bulk density in the range from 0.3 to 0.7 g / ml is removed. 16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that that the spray-dried detergent particles are anionic and / or nonionic synthetic organic surfactants as an effective cleansing ingredient as well as sodium tripolyphosphate, Sodium carbonate, sodium nitrilotriacetate, sodium aluminosilicate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium silicate, Contain sodium citrate and / or sodium borate as a builder, with their respective proportions in the range of 5 up to 35% or 30 to 90%, based on the total amount of the product. 17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that that a bentonite powder, the particles of which pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.044 mm, and spray-dried detergent spheres with a particle size in the range from 2.00 to 0.250 mm are used, the detergent used being 15 to 30% by weight of linear sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, 20 to 50% by weight pentasodium tripolyphosphate, 5 to 15% by weight sodium silicate with a Na 2: SiO ratio of about 1: 2.4, 5 to 20% by weight sodium carbonate, 5 to 30% by weight sodium sulfate and 4 to 12% by weight .% Moisture, the sodium silicate solution used for spraying is one with about 4 to 6% sodium silicate, the Na ₂ O: SiOp ratio of the sodium silicate being about 1: 2.4, and about 3 to 6 % of the sodium silicate solution sprayed onto the mixture of detergent particles and bentonite powder. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that that a Wyoming bentonite with a moisture content of at least 4% is used as the bentonite, wherein the bentonite content of the softening detergent 15 to 25% by weight and the moisture content of the composition is 7 to 15% by weight, the average The diameter of the spray droplets is in the range from 0.1 to 0.5 mm, the bulk density of the agglomerated Particles 0.3-0.5 g / ml and the average residence time of the material in the rotating drum 1 to 10 minutes.