JP2011525215A - Spray drying process - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention
(I) an anionic detersive surfactant;
(Ii) 0 wt% to 10 wt% zeolite builder;
(Iii) 0 wt% to 10 wt% phosphate builder;
(Iv) a process for preparing a spray-dried powder, optionally comprising 0 wt% to 15 wt% silicate, comprising:
This process
(A) a step of forming an alkaline slurry in a mixer, the slurry comprising:
Comprising (v) 0 wt% to 15 wt% anionic detersive surfactant, and (vi) 0 wt% to 35 wt% water;
(B) transferring the alkaline slurry from the mixer to the spray pressure nozzle through at least one pump;
(C) after the mixer and before the spray pressure nozzle, contacting the acid anionic detersive surfactant precursor with an alkaline slurry to form a mixture;
(D) spraying the mixture onto the spray drying tower through a spray pressure nozzle;
(E) spray drying the mixture to form a spray dried powder;
(F) optionally, contacting the alkali source with an alkaline slurry and / or an acid-based anionic detersive surfactant precursor and / or mixture.

Description

  The present invention relates to a spray drying process.

  Laundry detergent compositions are typically made by a process that includes spray drying an aqueous slurry containing an anionic detersive surfactant to form a spray dried powder. Typically, this spray drying step is the rate limiting step in the production of laundry detergent powder. This is especially true for low builder formulations with higher dry loads. With the increasing global demand for laundry detergent powder volume, many detergent manufacturers' spray drying towers have reached or are approaching maximum capacity. In order to increase the maximum capacity of its existing spray drying facility, detergent manufacturers will invest in additional or improved spray drying equipment and / or formulate composites of spray-dried laundry detergent powder. Either the spray-dried powder must be blended with increasing processing aids.

  We take at least some of the anionic detersive surfactant from the aqueous chiller in the mixer and add its acid precursor at a later stage of the spray drying process (ie, to the alkaline slurry) and in the mixer. By carefully controlling the moisture level of the alkaline slurry, the capacity rate of the spray drying process is significantly reduced without the need to invest in additional spray drying equipment or the introduction of processing aids. I found it to be improved.

  The present invention relates to a process as defined in claim 1.

Spray drying process The process comprises: (a) forming an alkaline slurry in the mixer; (b) transferring the alkaline slurry from the mixer to at least one pump to a spray pressure nozzle; After and before the spray pressure nozzle, contacting the acidic anionic detersive surfactant precursor with the alkaline slurry to form a mixture; and (d) spraying the mixture into the spray drying tower through the spray pressure nozzle. (E) spray-drying the mixture to form a spray-dried powder; (f) optionally, an alkaline source with an alkaline slurry and / or an acid-based anionic detersive surfactant precursor, and / or a mixture And contacting with. Each process step is described in more detail below.

Step (a)
In the step (a), an alkaline slurry is formed in the mixer. A preferred mixer in step (a) is a clutcher mixer. The alkaline slurry in the mixer is preferably heated, typically within the range of 50 ° C to 90 ° C. Saturated steam can be used to heat the slurry in the mixer. Preferably, all of the liquid components that form the slurry are heated before being added to the mixer, and the slurry is maintained at an elevated temperature in the mixer. These temperatures are preferably in the range of 50 ° C to 90 ° C.

  Typically, the residence time of the slurry in the mixer is in the range of 20 seconds to 600 seconds.

  The mixer in step (a) typically has a motor size such that its installed power output is in the range of 50 kW to 100 kW.

Step (b)
In step (b), the alkaline slurry is transferred from the mixer to the spray pressure nozzle through at least one pump. Typically, the alkaline slurry is first transferred to a low pressure line. The low pressure line typically has a pressure in the range of 4.0 × 10 ⁵ Pa to 1.2 × 10 ⁶ Pa. Typically, the alkaline slurry is then pumped to a high pressure line. The high pressure line typically has a pressure in the range of 4.0 × 10 ⁶ Pa to 1.2 × 10 ⁷ Pa. Typically, a high pressure pump is used to transfer the alkaline slurry from the low pressure line to the high pressure line. Preferably the high pressure pump is a piston pump.

  Typically, the alkaline slurry passes through a second mixer during step (b). The second mixer is preferably a slurry disaggregator. The second mixer typically operates at 1,000 rpm to 3,000 rpm. This second mixer reduces the particle size of the solid material in the slurry. The particle size of the solid material in the slurry at the end of step (b) is preferably less than 2.0 mm. This mitigates the risk of blockage of the spray pressure nozzle.

Step (c)
In step (c), after the mixer and before the spray pressure nozzle, the acid-based anionic detersive surfactant precursor contacts the alkaline slurry to form a mixture. Preferably, the acid-based anionic detersive surfactant precursor contacts the alkaline slurry in a low pressure line. However, the acid-based anionic surfactant precursor may come into contact with the dealkali slurry in the high-pressure line. Typically, the temperature of the acid-based anionic detersive surfactant precursor is in the range of 20 ° C. to 50 ° C. when it contacts the alkaline slurry. Typically, the ratio of the alkaline slurry flow rate to the acid anionic detersive surfactant precursor flow rate is controlled. This control typically involves holding a mass tank through which the acid anionic detersive surfactant precursor is passed and pumped into the low pressure line, where the alkaline slurry is typically transferred inside. This is accomplished by monitoring the mass flow rate of the alkaline slurry by a decrease in the weighing system installed in the. The ratio of the alkaline slurry flow rate to the acid anionic detersive surfactant precursor flow rate is typically 2.5: 1 to 25: 1, preferably 5: 1 or 8: 1, preferably Is ˜20: 1, or ˜15: 1.

Step (d)
In step (d), the mixture is sprayed into the spray drying tower through a spray pressure nozzle. Typically, the mixture is sprayed at a pressure in the range of 4.0 × 10 ⁶ Pa to 1.2 × 10 ⁷ Pa. Typically, the mixture is sprayed at a mass flow rate in the range of 1,000 kghr ^{−1 to} 70,000 kghr ⁻¹ . Typically, multiple nozzles are used in the process, preferably the nozzles are positioned in a circumferential manner at different heights throughout the spray drying tower. The nozzle is preferably positioned in a counter-current manner with respect to the air flow in the column.

Step (e)
In step (e), the mixture is spray dried to form a spray dried powder. Typically, the inlet temperature is in the range of 200 ° C to 350 ° C. Typically, the inlet flow rate is in the range of 50,000 to 150,000 kgm ⁻³ .

Optional step (f)
In optional step (f), an alkali source is contacted with an alkaline slurry and / or an acid based anionic detersive surfactant precursor, and / or a mixture. The alkali source is preferably contacted substantially simultaneously with the alkaline slurry and the acid-based anionic detersive surfactant precursor. Typically, the alkali is contacted with an alkaline slurry and / or acid based anionic detersive surfactant precursor, and / or mixture at a temperature above 10 ° C., where the alkali source comprises sodium hydroxide. Particularly preferred in some cases.

  The alkaline source can be contacted with the alkaline slurry and / or mixture by injecting the alkaline source into the low pressure line. Alternatively, the alkali source can be injected into the high pressure line.

  Typically, the ratio of the alkaline slurry flow rate to the alkaline source flow rate is controlled. This control is typically accomplished by passing an alkali source through the mass flow meter. Control of the mass flow rate of the alkaline slurry is described in more detail above.

Alkaline slurry The alkaline slurry typically comprises (a) 0 wt% to 15 wt% anionic detersive surfactant, and (b) 0 wt% to 35 wt% water. The alkaline slurry preferably contains 0% to, or more than 0%, preferably 30%, or ~ 25%, or ~ 20%, or ~ 15%, or even 10% by weight of water. Including. The alkaline slurry can be substantially anhydrous. The alkaline slurry typically includes one or more auxiliary detergent ingredients. The alkaline slurry preferably comprises carbonate, preferably at least 5% by weight or at least 10% by weight carbonate. Preferably, the alkaline slurry comprises 0 wt% to 10 wt%, or greater than 0 wt% to preferably 8 wt%, or -6 wt%, or ˜ wt%, or ˜2 wt% anion. Contains a surfactant. The alkaline slurry may further be essentially free of anionic detersive surfactant. “Essentially free” typically means “free from intentionally added”.

  The alkaline slurry can include a polymeric material. A preferred polymeric material is a carboxylate polymer. The alkaline slurry may comprise at least 1 wt%, or even at least 2 wt% polymeric material.

  Preferably, the weight ratio of solid inorganic material present in the slurry to solid organic material is in the range of 10: 1 to 10,000: 1, preferably at least 35: 1. The alkaline slurry may contain less than 10 wt% solid organic material, or less than 5 wt% solid organic material. The alkaline slurry may further be substantially free of solid organic material. For the purposes of the present invention, organic means any hydrocarbon component.

Spray-dried powder Spray-dried powder comprises (i) an anionic detersive surfactant, (ii) 0-10% by weight zeolite builder, (iii) 0-10% by weight phosphate builder, iv) optionally 0% to 15% by weight silicate. Spray dried powders typically contain additional auxiliary detergent ingredients. Preferably, the spray dried powder comprises a carbonate.

  Spray dried powders typically have a weight average particle size in the range of 300 micrometers to 600 micrometers, and preferably less than 10% by weight of the spray dried powder has a particle diameter greater than 1,180 micrometers. And preferably has a particle size distribution such that less than 10% by weight of the spray-dried powder has a particle size of less than 150 micrometers.

  Typically, the spray-dried powder has a bulk density in the range of 100 g / L to 700 g / L. The spray-dried powder typically has a moisture content of less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 4% by weight, or even less than 3% by weight. Preferably the spray-dried powder is white.

Acid anionic detersive surfactant precursor acid anionic detersive surfactant precursor preferably comprises alkyl benzene sulphonic acid of C ₈ -C _24. However, any acid based anionic detersive surfactant precursor may be used in the present invention.

Anionic detersive surfactant The anionic detersive surfactant preferably comprises an alkylbenzene sulfonate. Preferably, the anionic detersive surfactant system is at least 50% by weight of the anionic detersive surfactant system, preferably at least 55%, or at least 60%, or at least 65%, or at least 70%, Or further comprises at least 75% by weight of alkylbenzene sulfonate. Preferably, the alkyl benzene sulfonate is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C _8-18 alkyl benzene sulfonate. This is the optimum concentration of _C8-18 alkyl benzene sulfonate to provide good cleaning performance. Alkylbenzene sulfonates of _{C 8 to 18} is WO 99/05243, the No. 99/05242, the No. 99/05244, the No. 99/05082, the No. 99/05084, the 99th / It can be a modified alkyl benzene sulfonate (MLAS) as described in more detail in 05241, 99/07656, 00/23549, and 00/23548. A highly preferred C _8-18 alkyl benzene sulfonate is a linear C _10-13 alkyl benzene sulfonate. Particularly preferred are linear C _10-13 alkyl benzene sulfonates that can be obtained by sulfonation of commercially available linear alkyl benzene (LAB), and preferably obtained by sulfonation. Includes lower 2-phenyl LAB as supplied by Sasol under the brand name Isochem® or Petrelab® from Petresa; other suitable LABs include Hysolene (from Sasol). Higher 2-phenyl LAB such as that sold under the trade name of registered trademark).

The anionic detersive surfactant may preferably include other anionic detersive surfactants. Preferred auxiliary anionic detersive surfactants are non-alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactants. The non-alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactant can be an alkyl sulfate, alkyl phosphate, alkyl phosphonate, alkyl carboxylate, or any mixture thereof. Non-alkoxylated anionic surfactants are primary of C ₁₀ -C _20, branched-chain, it can be selected from the group consisting of straight-chain and random-chain alkyl sulphates (AS), with normal equation.

式中、Ｍは水素又は電気的中性を付与するカチオンであり、好ましいカチオンにはナトリウム及びアンモニウムカチオンが挙げられ、式中、ｘは少なくとも整数７であり、好ましくは少なくとも整数９であり、ｙは、少なくとも整数８であり、好ましくは少なくとも整数９であり、Ｃ_１０〜Ｃ_１８のアルキルカルボキシレート、米国特許第６，０２０，３０３号及び同第６，０６０，４４３号により詳細に記載されているような中鎖分岐状アルキルサルフェート、メチルエステルスルホネート（ＭＥＳ）、α−オレフィンスルホネート（ＡＯＳ）、及びこれらの混合物である。 _{CH 3 (CH 2) x CH} 2 -OSO 3 - M +
Wherein M is a cation that provides hydrogen or electrical neutrality, preferred cations are sodium and ammonium cations, wherein x is an integer of at least 7, preferably an integer of at least 9. , C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates, usually having the following formula:

Wherein M is a cation imparting hydrogen or electrical neutrality, preferred cations include sodium and ammonium cations, wherein x is at least an integer 7, preferably at least an integer 9, y Is at least an integer 8, preferably at least an integer 9, and is described in more detail in C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ alkyl carboxylates, US Pat. Nos. 6,020,303 and 6,060,443. Medium chain branched alkyl sulfates, methyl ester sulfonates (MES), α-olefin sulfonates (AOS), and mixtures thereof.

  Another preferred anionic detersive surfactant is an alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactant. The presence of the alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactant in the spray-dried powder provides good oily soil cleaning performance, provides good foaming properties, and improves the hard water resistance of the anionic detersive surfactant system. Anionic detersive surfactant is 1 wt% to 50 wt%, 5 wt%, or 10 wt%, or 15 wt%, or 20 wt% to 45 wt% of the anionic detersive surfactant system, Alternatively, it may be preferred to include ˜40 wt%, or ˜35 wt%, or ˜30 wt% alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactant.

Preferably, the alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactant is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C _12-18 alkyl alkoxylation having an average degree of alkoxylation of 1-30, preferably 1-10. Sulfate. Preferably, the alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactant is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C _12-18 alkyl ethoxylated sulfate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 1-10. Most preferably, the alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactant is a linear unsubstituted C _12-18 alkyl ethoxylated sulfate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 3-7.

  Alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactants, when present with alkylbenzene sulfonates, can also increase the activity of alkylbenzene sulfonates by making alkylbenzene sulfonates less likely to precipitate out of solution in the presence of free calcium cations. Preferably, the weight ratio of alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactant is from 1: 1 to less than 5: 1, or less than ˜3: 1, or less than ˜1.7: 1, or even ˜1.5. Is within the range of less than 1. This ratio, combined with good hardness tolerance properties and good foaming properties, provides optimal whiteness maintenance performance. However, it may be preferred that the weight ratio of alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactant is greater than 5: 1, or greater than 6: 1, or greater than 7: 1, or even greater than 10: 1. This ratio, combined with good hard water resistance properties and good foaming properties, provides optimal oil stain cleaning performance.

  Suitable alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactants are Texapan LEST ™ by Cognis, Cosmacol AES ™ by Sasol, BES151 ™ by Stephan, Empicol ESC70 / U ™, and mixtures thereof.

  Preferably, the anionic detersive surfactant is 0% to 10%, preferably ˜8%, or ˜6%, or ˜4%, or ˜2% by weight of the anionic detersive surfactant. Or additionally ˜1% by weight of unsaturated anionic detersive surfactant (eg, α-olefin sulfonate). Preferably, the anionic detersive surfactant system is essentially free of unsaturated anionic detersive surfactant such as α-olefin sulfonate. “Essentially free” usually means “free from intentionally added”. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that these concentrations of unsaturated anionic detersive surfactants (eg, α-olefin sulfonate) ensure bleach compatibility of the anionic detersive surfactant. It has been.

  Preferably, the anionic detersive surfactant is 0% to 10%, preferably ˜8%, or ˜6%, or ˜4%, or ˜2%, or even ˜1% by weight. Of alkyl sulfates. Preferably, the anionic detersive surfactant is essentially free of alkyl sulfate. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that these concentrations of alkyl phosphate ensure the hard water resistance of the anionic detersive surfactant.

Zeolite Builder The spray-dried powder is typically 0 wt% to 10 wt% of the zeolite builder, preferably -9 wt%, or -8 wt%, or -7 wt%, or -6, of the spraydried powder. Containing less than zeolitic builder by weight, or ˜5 wt%, or ˜4 wt%, or ˜3 wt%, or ˜2 wt%, or ˜1 wt%, or ˜1 wt%. It may be further preferred that the spray-dried powder is essentially free of zeolite builder. Essentially free of zeolite builder typically means that the spray-dried powder is free of intentionally added zeolite builder. This is necessary if the solubility of the spray-dried powder is very high, and also transparent, in order to minimize the amount of water-insoluble residue (eg it can deposit on the fabric surface) Is particularly preferred when it is highly desirable to have a clean cleaning solution. Zeolite builders include zeolite A, zeolite X, zeolite P and zeolite MAP.

Phosphate Builder The spray-dried powder is typically 0% to 10% by weight of the spray-dried powder, preferably ~ 9%, or ~ 8%, or ~ 7%, or ~ 6%. % By weight, or ~ 5%, or ~ 4%, or ~ 3%, or ~ 2%, or ~ 1%, or less than ~ 1% by weight of phosphate builder. It may be more preferred that the spray-dried powder is essentially free of phosphate builder. Essentially free of phosphate builders typically means that the spray-dried powder is free of intentionally added phosphate builders. This is particularly preferred when it is desirable for the composition to have a very good environmental profile. Examples of phosphate builders include sodium tripolyphosphate.

Silicate spray-dried powder is optionally 0% to 20% by weight silicate, preferably 1% to, or 2% to 3%, and preferably -15%, or -10 wt%, or even -5 wt% silicate. Silicate salts include amorphous silicates and crystalline layered silicates (eg, SKS-6). A preferred silicate is sodium silicate.

Carbonate Spray-dried powders typically comprise 1% to 50%, or 5% to 25%, or 10% to 20% by weight of carbonate of the spray-dried powder. Preferred carbonates are sodium carbonate and / or sodium bicarbonate. A highly preferred carbonate is sodium carbonate. Preferably, the spray-dried powder may comprise 10% to 40% sodium carbonate by weight of the spray-dried powder. However, it may also be preferred that the spray-dried powder comprises from 2% to 8% sodium bicarbonate of the spray-dried powder. This concentration of sodium bicarbonate imparts good alkalinity while minimizing the risk of surfactant gelation that may occur in the surfactant-carbonate system. When the spray-dried powder comprises sodium carbonate and zeolite, preferably the weight ratio of sodium carbonate to zeolite is at least 15: 1.

  A high concentration of carbonate improves the cleaning performance of the composition by increasing the pH of the cleaning solution. This increased alkalinity improves the performance of the bleaching agent, if present, making it easier to hydrolyze the soil, thereby making it easier to remove the soil from the fabric, and the ionization rate and ionization of the soil to be cleaned. (Note: ionized soils become more soluble and easier to remove from the fabric during the wash phase of the laundry process). Furthermore, the high carbonate concentration improves the flowability of the spray-dried powder.

Alkali source The alkali source preferably comprises sodium hydroxide. The alkali source preferably comprises a carbonate. The alkali source preferably comprises silicate.

Auxiliary cleaning ingredients Suitable auxiliary ingredients include cleaning surfactants such as anionic cleaning surfactants, nonionic cleaning surfactants, cationic cleaning surfactants, bipolar ionic cleaning surfactants, amphoteric cleaning surfactants Agents (preferably nonionic detersive surfactants are C8-18 _{alkylalkoxylated} alcohols having an average degree of alkoxylation of 1-20, preferably 3-10, most preferably an average degree of alkoxylation of 3-10. be a C _{12 to 18} alkyl ethoxylated alcohols having; preferred cationic detersive surfactants are mono--C _{having 6 to 18} alkyl mono - hydroxyethyl di - methyl quaternary ammonium chlorides, more preferred are mono--C _8-10 alkyl mono - hydroxyethyl di - methyl quaternary ammonium chloride, mono - _10-12 alkyl mono - hydroxyethyl di - methyl quaternary ammonium chloride, and mono--C ₁₀ alkyl mono - hydroxyethyl di - methyl quaternary ammonium chloride is a chloride); peroxygen source, for example, percarbonates and / Or perborate, preferably sodium percarbonate (peroxygen source is preferably at least partially by coating components such as carbonates, sulfates, silicates, borosilicates, or mixtures containing these salts) Bleached activators such as tetraacetylethylenediamine, oxybenzene sulfate bleach activators such as nonanoyloxybenzene sulfate, caprolactam bleach activators, imide bleach activators For example, N-nonanoyl-N-methyl Acetamide, preformed peracids such as N, N-pthaloylamino peroxycaproic acid, nonylamide peroxyadipic acid or dibenzoyl peroxide; enzymes such as amylase, carbohydrase, cellulase, laccase, lipase , Oxidase, peroxidase, protease, pectate lyase, and mannanase; foam suppressor systems such as silicone foam suppressors; fluorescent brighteners; photobleaching agents; filler salts such as sulfate salts, preferably sulfate sodium; Softeners such as clays, silicones and / or quaternary ammonium compounds; flocculants such as polyethylene oxide; dye transfer inhibitors such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly-4-vinylpyridine N-oxide and / or vinylpyrroline And vinyl imidazole copolymers; fabric preservation components such as hydrophobically modified cellulose and oligomers formed by condensation of imidazole and epichlorhydrin; soil dispersants and soil anti-redeposition aids; For example, alkoxylated polyamines and ethoxylated ethyleneimine polymers; anti-redeposition components such as carboxymethyl cellulose and polyesters; fragrances; sulfamic acid or salts thereof; citric acid or salts thereof; and dyes such as orange dyes, blue dyes, A green dye, a purple dye, a pink dye, or a mixture thereof may be mentioned.

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Example 1. Spray-dried laundry detergent powder and production method thereof.

  Preparation of spray-dried laundry detergent powder.

An alkaline aqueous slurry having the above composition is prepared in a slurry preparation container (clutcher). The moisture content of the slurry is 23.1%. Any component in liquid form added above is heated to 70 ° C. so that the aqueous slurry is never below 70 ° C. 6.0 × 10 ⁵ Pa saturated steam is injected into the clutcher to raise the temperature to 90 ° C. The slurry is then pumped to a low pressure line (having a pressure of 5.0 × 10 ⁵ Pa).

11.4 parts of C ₈ -C ₂₄ alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (HLAS) and 3.2 parts of 50% (w / w) aqueous sodium hydroxide are pumped to separate low pressure lines. The mixture is then pumped to a high pressure line (having an outlet pressure of 8.0 × 10 ⁶ Pa) with a high pressure pump. The mixture is then back spray dried at an air inlet temperature of 300 ° C. through a spray pressure nozzle at a rate of 1,640 kg / hr at a pressure of 8.0 × 10 ⁶ Pa and 90 ° C. + / − 2 ° C. Sprayed into the tower. The mixture is atomized and the atomized slurry is dried to produce a solid mixture which is then cooled and screened to remove too much material (> 1.8 mm) and flow freely Form a spray-dried powder. Fine material (<0.15 mm) is purified by the exhaust the exhaust air and collected in a post tower containment system. The spray-dried powder has a moisture content of 2.5% by weight, a bulk density of 510 g / L and a particle size distribution so that more than 80% by weight of the spray-dried powder has a particle size of 150-710 micrometers. . The composition of the spray-dried powder is shown below.

  The laundry detergent composition was prepared by dry mixing all of the above particles (all except AE7) in a standard batch mixer. Liquid form of AE7 is sprayed onto the particles in a standard batch mixer. Alternatively, AE7 in liquid form is sprayed onto the spray-dried powder of Example 1. The resulting powder is then mixed with all other particles in a standard batch mixer.

  The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

Claims (8)

(I) an anionic detersive surfactant;
(Ii) 0 wt% to 10 wt% zeolite builder;
(Iii) 0 wt% to 10 wt% phosphate builder;
(Iv) a process for preparing a spray-dried powder, optionally comprising 0 wt% to 15 wt% silicate, comprising:
The process is
(A) a step of forming an alkaline slurry in a mixer, the slurry comprising:
Comprising (v) 0 wt% to 15 wt% anionic detersive surfactant, and (vi) 0 wt% to 35 wt% water;
(B) transferring the alkaline slurry from the mixer to the spray pressure nozzle through at least one pump;
(C) after the mixer and before the spray pressure nozzle, contacting the acidic anionic detersive surfactant precursor with the alkaline slurry to form a mixture;
(D) spraying the mixture into a spray drying tower through the spray pressure nozzle;
(E) spray drying the mixture to form a spray dried powder;
(F) optionally comprising contacting an alkali source with the alkaline slurry and / or the acid anionic detersive surfactant precursor and / or the mixture.   The process of claim 1, wherein the alkaline slurry comprises 0 wt% to 25 wt% water.   The process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alkaline slurry comprises 0 wt% to 5 wt% anionic detersive surfactant.   The process according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the alkali source is added to the alkaline slurry substantially simultaneously with the acid-based anionic detersive surfactant precursor. The acid anionic detersive surfactant precursor comprises alkylbenzene sulfonic acid C ₈ -C _24, The process according to any one of claims 1-4.   The process according to claim 1, wherein the alkali source comprises sodium hydroxide.   The process according to claim 1, wherein the alkali source comprises a carbonate.   The process according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the alkali source comprises silicate.