GB174349A - An improved process of forming cakes of soap - Google Patents

Abstract

174,349. Crouch, M. La F. Jan. 20, 1921, [Convention date]. Endless-chain machines; casting soap; cooling-apparatus. -- Soap is formed into cakes by dividing a batch of hot semi-liquid soap into appropriate porticns, congealing or freezing the exterior layer of each portion, by subjecting it to surrounding conditions of progressively lower temperature preferably followed by surrounding conditions of progressively higher temperature, and allowing the interior to congeal by heat transference to the outer layer. An apparatus for carrying out the process comprises an endless chain of moulds B adapted to receive molten soap from a crutcher A and which traverse a divided casing G where, firstly, a spray of brine at a temperature of about 38‹ F. is directed through pipes I against the bottoms and sides of the moulds, next, a stream of brine at a temperature of about 18‹ F. is allowed to flow over a baffle H on to the upper surface of the moulds and into direct contact with the soap, and finally the top and bottom sides and ends are sprayed with brine at a temperature of about 18‹ F. through pipes I<1>, I<2>. The brine falls on to the return run of the mould chain which traverses a tank S from which the brine is withdrawn and again circulated through the pipes I, I<1>, I<2>. The brine in the tank S also serves to retain the cakes in the moulds. The brine sprayed through the pipes I falling into the tank S warms the moulds prior to discharge and re-filling. The congealed cakes of soap are delivered on to a carrier &c., where they are first washed with fresh water sprayed through a pipe P', then subjected to an air blast to remove surface water, and are finally delivered to a tempering chamber, where the cakes are allowed to set and are also dried by air currents. The cakes may then be pressed.