MXPA01003096A - Granular detergent compositions having improved solubility profiles - Google Patents

Abstract

Granular detergent composition having an average bulk density of at least about 400 g/L and characterized by a rate of dispersion under stressed cold-water conditions as defined by the equation (1), where R is the residual undispersed detergent at any point in time, t, R is the long term residual undispersed detergent having a value of less than about 14%of the total amount of an initial dosage of detergent, t is any single point in time, m is a stretching exponent having a value of less than about 2, DT is dispersion time having a value of less than about 0.5 and twash is the time of the wash cycle;and at least 90%of the insoluble particulate residues of said granular detergent composition having a particle size of less than 15&mgr;m are provided. In preferred embodiments, the detergent composition has a rate of dissolution under stressed cold-water conditions as defined by the equation (2), where U is the fraction of undissolved surfactant at any point in time, t, U is the long term surfactant residual undissolved surfactant having a value of less than about 14%of the total amount of an initial dosage of surfactant, t is any single point in time, n is a stretching exponent having a value of less than about 2, RT is dissolution time having a value of less than about 0.5 and twash is the time of the wash cycle.

Description

GRANULATED DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS THAT HAVE IMPROVED SOLUBILITY PROFILES TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to granular detergent compositions having improved solubility profiles and in particular, to granular detergent compositions that equal or improve the cleaning performance of liquid detergents, while avoiding the negative attributes associated with the granular products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recently, there has been considerable interest within the detergent industry, for laundry detergents that have the convenience, aesthetics, and solubility of liquid laundry detergent products, but retain the cleaning performance and cost of laundry detergents. granulated detergent products. However, there are many problems associated with the above granular detergent compositions, which are related to aesthetics, solubility and convenience for the user. These problems have increased with the arrival of "compact" or low-dose granular detergent products, which usually do not dissolve in washing solutions as well as their counterparts liquid detergents for laundry. These low-dose detergents usually have a high demand, as they contribute to savings! and can be sold in small packages, which are more convenient for consumers before use, but are less convenient to 5 administer them inside the washing machine compared to liquid laundry detergent, which can simply be poured directly from the bottle , as opposed to "being picked up with a spoon" from the box and then administered inside the washing solution. As mentioned above, such detergent products of low dose or "compact" unfortunately present problems of dissolution, especially in solutions of washing at low temperature (ie, less than about 30 ° C). More specifically, poor dissolution results in the formation of "lumps" which appear as solid white masses that remain in the washing machine or in washed clothes after of the conventional washing cycles. These "lumps" prevail especially under washing conditions at low temperature and / or when the order of addition to the washing machine is first the washing detergent, second the laundry and finally the water (commonly known as the "inverted order of addition or "ROOA"). These "lumps" are also formed if the consumer loads the washing machine in the order of clothes, detergent and then water. Similarly, this phenomenon of lump formation may contribute to the incomplete supply of the detergent in washing machines equipped with dispenser drawers or other dispensing devices, such as a type device. - liiiÍÉÉ * ritt «ÍMMMMMIIIIM granulette. In this case, the undesired result is the undissolved detergent residue in the dispensing device. It has been found that the cause of the aforementioned dissolution problem is associated with the "bridging" of a "gel-like" substance between the particles containing surfactant to form the unwanted "lumps". The gel-like substance responsible for the undesirable "puddling" of the particles in the "lumps", originates with the partial dissolution of the trensioactive agent in the aqueous washing solutions, wherein said partial dissolution causes the formation of a phase or highly viscous surfactant paste, which binds or "bridges" other particles containing surfactant in "lumps". This undesirable phenomenon of dissolution is commonly known as "lumpy gel" formation. In addition to the "bridging" effect of viscous surfactant, the inorganic salts have a tendency to hydrate, which can also cause the "bridging" of particles, which are bound by hydration. In particular, the inorganic salts hydrate with each other to form a cage-like structure that exhibits poor dissolution and finally gives a "lump" after the wash cycle. Accordingly, it would be preferable to have a detergent composition that will not experience the dissolution problems identified above, resulting in improved cleaning performance. The prior art is full of descriptions which refer to dissolution problems associated with granular detergent compositions. For example, the prior art suggests limiting the use and manner of inorganic salts, which can cause lumps by "bridging" hydrated salts during the wash cycle. The specific proportions of the selected inorganic salts are contemplated to minimize dissolution problems. However, such a solution restricts the flexibility of the formulation and procedure, which is necessary for the current commercialization of large-scale detergent products. The prior art has suggested several other mechanisms, all of which relate to the alteration of the formulation, and with this the flexibility of the formulation is reduced. As a consequence, it would be desirable to have a detergent composition having an improved solution I without significantly inhibiting the flexibility of the formulation. Accordingly, it remains necessary to identify a mechanical approach to the performance of granular detergent compositions over a wide range of conditions and for a granular composition having improved dispersion and solubility over conventional granular detergent compositions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This need is covered by the present invention, where granular detergent compositions have been identified that have particular dissolution and solubility profiles, which provide a cleaning performance equal to liquid detergent compositions, while maintaining the flexibility of the formulation that they have the granulated mixtures. According to the present invention, a granular detergent composition having a bulk density of at least I about 400 g / L and characterized by a dispersion rate as defined by the equation: where R is the residual detergent not dispersed at any point of time, t, R * is the long-term non-dispersed residual detergent which has a value of less than about 14% of the total amount of a dose Initial detergent, t is any point in time, m is an exponent of I extension that has a value of less than about 2, DT is the dispersion time that has a value of less than about Ó.5 and washing is e 'wash cycle time. In preferred embodiments, at least 90% of insoluble particulate debris of said granular detergent composition, having a particle size of less than 15μm, is provided and / or the detergent composition has a dissolution rate as defined by The equation: wherein U is the undissolved surfactant fraction at any point of time, t, U * is the long-term undissolved residual surfactant having a value of less than about 14% of the total amount of an initial dose of surfactant, t is any point in time, n is an extension exponent that has a value of less than about 2, RT is the dissolution time that has a value of less than about 0.5, and t | avac | 0 is time of the wash cycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Definitions As used herein, the word "particles" means the full scale of size, of a final detergent product or component, or the full size scale of discrete particles, agglomerates or granules in a final mixture. of product or detergent component. It does not specifically refer to a size fraction (that is, representing less than 100% of the full size scale) of any of these particle types, unless the size fraction represents 100% of a discrete particle in a mixture of particles. For each type of particle component in a mixture, the scale of all particle sizes of that type have the same or substantially similar composition, regardless of whether the particles are in contact with other particles. For the agglomerated components, the agglomerates themselves are considered as discrete particles and each discrete particle can be composed of a compound of smaller primary particles and binding compositions. As used herein, the phrase "geometric average particle diameter" means the median geometric mass diameter of a set of discrete particles, as measured by any particle size measurement technique based on the mass, preferably by sieving in dry. As used herein, the phrase "standard geometric derivation" or "scope" of the particle size distribution means the geometric width of the normal logarithmic function best suited to the particle size information mentioned above, which is can be achieved by the diameter ratio of 84.13 percentile divided by the diameter of the 50th percentile of the cumulative distribution (D84.13 / D50); see Gotoh eí al. Powder Technology Handbook, pag. 6-11, Meral Dekker 1997. As used herein, the phrase "builder" means any inorganic material that has a "builder" performance in the context of detergency, and specifically, an organic or inorganic material. able to soften the waters of the washing solutions. As used herein, the term "volumetric density" refers to the volumetric density of the uncoated and uncoated powder, when measured by pouring an excess of a powder sample through a funnel, into a plain metal container ( for example, a cylinder with a volume of 500 .At. . «» '. - I ml), removing the excess of the pile that remains above the edge of the container, measuring the remaining mass of powder and dividing the mass between the volume of the container. The granular detergents of the present invention satisfy the desired solubility and dispersion performance characteristics, by means of the optimum selection of a series of parameters that allow the design of granular detergents with superior performance. Although one does not wish to be limited by theory, a series of transitions can be used to describe the solubility of a granular detergent, from the point in time at which the powder is first moistened by the washing solution, to the point where the time in which the powder has reached its final point of dissolution in the washing solution. The series of transitions begins with the dispersion velocity of the volumetric mass of the powder, normally formed by millions of particles per dose, in single, well-dispersed particles within the wash solution. Once dispersed, the individual particles are free to dissolve. In this way, proper dispersion of the particles is important for the design of a powder detergent with superior performance. On the other hand, poor dispersion of the powder will have the tendency to form lumpy gels that are slow to dissolve and are prone to leaving undesirable residues for the consumer in the fabrics. The second of the transitions that could be used to describe the solubility of the detergent powder is the rate of dissolution of the particles in the wash solution. The dissolution of the dispersed particles continues after the dispersion of the granules has ended. The key parameter of a higher performance granular detergent is that the well dispersed particles dissolve relatively fast compared to the duration of the wash cycle. The faster the powder detergent dissolves during the wash cycle, the faster the detergent active ingredients will be released in the wash, providing a longer exposure of the dirty fabrics to the cleaning agents and providing a cleaning performance. improved. The last of the transitions used to describe the solubility of the detergent powder, is the amount of powder that will not dissolve giving a reasonable length of time during which they must dissolve, they are also known as insoluble particles. The insoluble particles result in visible residues on the fabrics when these insoluble particles are filtered from the washing solution by the fabrics themselves. Minimizing the particle size of these insoluble particles present in a detergent in the powder leads to improved performance, from high levels of the active agents in the wash solution and to a higher acceptance of the consumer due to less visible residues in the the fabrics. Each of the transitions, from the dispersion rate to the dissolution rate, to the insoluble residues, can be described by a parameter or interrelated parameters, which together identify a detergent composition with superior performance. However, the dispersion speed and the amount of insoluble particles that remain are the most important factors to measure in detergent performance, since they are related to the recognizable impacts of the consumer, such as residues on clothes and how quickly it disappears. of sight the volumetric mass of adhered detergent.

Dispersion Speed The dispersion rate as used herein is a measure of the speed with which the particles are dispersed in the wash solution. The speed of dispersion in a complex phenomenon that is due in large part to the interaction between the particles. However, this phenomenon can be described accurately by means of the general extended exponential equation: where R is the residue at any point in time, t, R * is the long-term residue, that is to say the non-dispersed particles, t is any point in time, m is an extension exponent that describes how the dust at the initial point in time, that is, the effect of initial wetting on its dispersion. DT is the time of dispersion and t | avac | 0 is the time of the wash cycle. The dispersion time, DT, is defined by the equation: r -, and. _ dispersion / washing where t | ava (j0 is the time of the wash cycle and Time is a time constant that is characteristic of the exponential decrease in mass Volumetric dust In essence, Dispersion is the time in which it disperses approximately 63% of the net amount of the dispersible powder that will be dispersed, that is, the volumetric powder added minus the insoluble residues. The dispersion time is a dimensionless value that measures the relative dispersion during several wash cycles, which can vary considerably depending on the load types and regions. The extension exponent, m, is a value to describe how the powder acts at its initial wetting point, that is, whether it is a slow or fast dispersion powder. The lower the value, the faster the dust disperses initially. R * is a value that describes how well dust is completely dispersed. The lower the value of R *. larger is the amount of dust that is dispersed in a quantity of time reasonable, like one hour. Meanwhile, Dispersion is a value that describes the dispersion kinetics. The lower the value of Dispersion > The detergent disperses faster. This is how they need to be the three values to describe more precisely the dispersion of a detergent powder. A powder can disperse very quickly at the beginning and have a low m-value, but it has a high residual mass (R *), due to the formation of lumpy gel. On the contrary, the powder can be dispersed by complete but only at a slow speed, that is, a Dispersion a'to.

Therefore, the interaction of the three variables is needed to accurately describe the dispersibility of a granular detergent. A powder detergent composition can be adjusted according to this equation, by measuring the amount of residual detergent, R, as a function of time, ie, in multiple times, during the course of a washing cycle and adjusting with curves these values for generate a value for R *, m and Dispersion- The adjustment of curves can be done with the use of several software for curve adjustments commercially available, such as Excel Solver®, with the restriction that R * must be some value greater than or equal to 0. Under the conditions of very cold water described above, a detergent composition with superior performance in accordance with the present invention, it will have values for the long-term residue R * of less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 15% and more preferably less than about 5%; the dispersion time values, DT, of less than about 0.5, about less than about 0.25 and more preferably less than about 0J2, and the extension exponent values, m, of less than about 2, more preferably less of about 1.5 and more preferably less than about 1. Also, the R values are preferably less than 25%, more preferably less than 18% and more preferably less than about 10% by weight of the composition . For the purposes of the present invention, the test that is used to measure this residual detergent is the wire basket test, WBT which adheres to test 711 of the US Pharmacopoeia. The WBT consists of a one liter stainless steel container, plastic or (preferably) borosilicate glass, having a stainless steel stirrer approximately 4 mm thick. A stationary basket of Maya 20 (approximately 4mm X 25mm) made of stainless steel is made, being supported on the upper part of the container by a liter by a Plexiglas. One liter of distilled water is placed at approximately I 4.44 ° C (40 ° F) in the dissolution vessel and circulated continuously through the vessel. A volume of granular detergent material is weighed in the stationary wire basket. The basket is then suspended halfway between the agitator shaft and the side wall of the apparatus. The agitator is then operated at 200 rpm. After the basket is removed from the apparatus in periodic times, with the residue transferred to a weighing dish and dried at a constant weight.

Dissolution rate The dissolution rate, ROD, according to the present invention, is a measure of the dissolution rate of the chemistry itself of the surfactant, as it is delivered in the granulated detergent particles. The rate of dissolution is graded as a percentage of the total dissolved surfactant, as measured by a chemical test of the surfactant from the filtered wash water. The key is to dissolve the dispersed particles quickly in relation to the duration of the washing cycle. This is how the ROD predicts how fast a detergent composition releases its surfactant into the wash. The ROD can be modeled using the expression: where U is the fraction of undissolved surfactant at any point in time, t, U * is the long-term residual surfactant, ie, the particles and / or non-soluble surfactant precipitates, t is any point in time, n is an extension exponent that describes how the surfactant acts, that is, dissolves, in the first MlMMriITIIÉÉIÍHÍIMI stages of wetting in the test. RT is the dissolution time, tlavado is the time of the wash cycle.; The dissolution time, RT, is defined by the equation: where t | ava (j0 is the wash cycle time and ROD is a constant of time that is characteristic of the dissolution of the surfactant, in essence TROD is e 'time in which approximately | 63% has been dissolved of the net amount of soluble surfactant to be dissolved, ie, the total surfactant added minus the insoluble residues of surfactant. The dissolution time is a dimensionless value that measures the relative dissolution during several wash cycles, which can vary considerably according to the types of load and the regions. In this way, the RT provides an accurate prediction of the dissolution of a detergent powder under different conditions and wash cycles. The extension exponent, m, is a value to describe how the surfactant acts at its initial wetting point, that is, whether it is a slow or fast wetting surfactant. The lower the value, the faster the surfactant initially dissolves. U * is a value that describes how well the surfactant is dissolved by complete I. The lower the value of U * the larger the amount of the surfactant that can be dissolved in a reasonable amount of time, like an hour. Meanwhile, TROD is a value that describes when time finally takes the surfactant to dissolve. While The lower the TROD value, the faster the surfactant is dissolved.

Thus, as in the dispersion, the three values are needed to accurately describe the dissolution of the surfactant agent I particles in a wash solution. A detergent powder composition can be adjusted against this equation by measuring the amount of residual surfactant, U, as a function of time, ie, in multiple times during the course of a wash cycle, and curves these values to generate a value for U *, n and TROD- The adjustment of curves can be done as in the calculations for the dispersion by means of the use of several software of adjustments of curves commercially available, like for example the Excel Solver®, with the restriction that U * must be a value greater or equal to 0. In the conditions of cold water under tension defined below, the detergent composition in top performance according to the present invention will have values for the long-term residue, U *, of less than about 14%, more preferably less than about 7% and more preferably less than approximately 3.5%; the dispersion time values, RT, of less than about 0.5, preferably less than about 0.25 and more preferably less than about 0J2, and extension exponent values, n, less than about 2, more preferably less than about 1.5, and more preferably less than about 1. While the values for U are usually greater than 30% in 2 minutes and 70% in 5 minutes, more preferably more than 40% in 2 minutes and 80% in 5 minutes, and more preferably more than 50% in 2 minutes and 90% in 5 minutes. For the purposes of the present invention, the test that is employed to measure the residual surfactant is described by the following procedure which adheres to the 711 test of the US Pharmacopeia. A one liter container of stainless steel, plastic or (preferably) borosilicate glass having a stainless steel stirrer about 4 mm thick is provided. One liter of distilled water is placed into the dissolution vessel at approximately 10 ° C (50 ° F) and circulated continuously through the vessel. A sample of 10.0 gram (+/- 0J gram) is decanted into the water with the agitator rotating at 200 rpm. At specific time intervals (30 seconds, 1, 2.5 and 5 minutes) a sample of 10 cc is extracted and filtered immediately through a 0.45 micron filter paper. After filtering the last sample, the agitator speed increases to 300 rpm for the rest of the test. Two samples of 10 cc are extracted 5 minutes later. A sample is filtered, -Aaa4_¡__i a »_i .. t the other sample is not filtered. This unfiltered sample is "100% dissolved".! This unfiltered sample will be used to generate "100% dissolved" control. This sample is placed in an oven at 60 ° C (140 ° F) for at least one hour to ensure complete dissolution of the surfactant. The sample is removed from the oven, stirred to ensure homogeneity and then extracted with a clean syringe and filtered into a clean jar. Now this is the "100% dissolved" control. The level of surfactant in each sample is measured by conventional means, such as! for example titration, to determine cationic SO3 in anionic surfactants containing sulfate. The raw results are converted into "% dissolved" by dividing them by the "100% dissolved" result and multiplying by 100.

Insoluble wastes Insoluble wastes is a measure of the amount of particles in the granulated detergent, which do not dissolve in a reasonable period of time, such as the duration of a wash cycle. Solvent residues greater than a certain measure will end up as stains or visible particles on the fabrics, as they are filtered from the washing water pdr the same fabrics. The insoluble residues can be measured in the wash water before they are filtered through the fabrics. Measurements can be made with conventional light diffusion devices that use Fraunhoffer light diffusion principles, such as the Malver or Horiba particle size analyzers. The unfiltered wash water is passed through a diffraction cell where the scattered particles diffuse the light that passes through the cell. The degree of diffusion is proportional to the size of the dispersed particles. The diffusion spectrum allows to measure the complete distribution of the particle size of the residues in the wash water. A higher performance detergent composition will have a D90 of insoluble residues of less than about 15μm, and more preferably a D90 of less than about 10μm. This means that at least 90% of the insoluble residues in the wash water have a particle size of less than about 15μm, and more preferably less than about 10μm.

Detergent compositions Detergent compositions that satisfy the transition profiles described above can be formulated with a varied range of ingredients and properties to achieve the overall profile of superior solubility, as defined in the transitions discussed above. The granular detergent composition can achieve the desired benefits of solubility, improved aesthetics and fluidity by means of the optimal selection of the geometric average particle diameter of certain particle levels in the composition. By "improved aesthetics" it should be understood that the consumer sees a granular detergent product having a more uniform appearance of the particles as compared to the previous granular detergent products, which contained particles of varying size and composition. To this end, at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 75%, still more preferably at least about 90%, and more preferably at least about 95% by weight of the total particles in the detergent product, have the average particle size diameter selected. In this way, a substantial portion of the granular detergent product will have a uniform size in order to give an aesthetic appearance desired by consumers. Preferably, the geometric average particle diameter of the particles is from about 500 microns to about l 500 microns, more preferably from about 600 microns to about 1200 microns, and more preferably from about 700 microns to approximately 1000 microns. The particle size distribution is defined by means of a relatively narrow geometric standard deviation or "range", in order not to have too many particles outside the target size. Accordingly, the standard geometric deviation 20 is preferably from about 1 to about 2, more preferably from about 1.0 to about 1.7, even more preferably from about 1.0 to about 1.4, and more preferably is from about 1.0 to i i approximately 1.2. The average volumetric density of the particles is preferably at least about 450 g / l, more preferably at least about 550 g / l, and more preferably at least about 650 g / l. Although not intended to be limited by theory, it is believed that the solubility increases as a result of the particles in the detergent composition being more of the same size. Specifically, because the particles have a more uniform size, the true "points of contact" between the particles in the detergent composition are reduced, which in turn reduces the "bridging effect" commonly associated with the difficulties of dissolving the "lumpy gels" of the granular detergent compositions. Previously the granular detergent compositions contained particles of varied sizes, which leads to more points of contact between the particles, for example, a large particle could be in contact with many smaller particles, rendering the particle site ready for the formation of lumpy gel. The uniform level and size I of the particles in the granular detergent composition of the present invention avoids such problems. By "a portion" of the particles, it should be understood that at least some particles in the detergent composition contain a detersive surfactant and / or builder to provide the building blocks of a typical detergent composition. Next, the different surfactants and detergency builders are exposed, as well as their respective levels in the composition. Typically the detergent composition will contain from about 1% to about 50% by weight of a detersive surfactant and from I about 1% to about 75% by weight of a builder. Alternatively, the transition profile of the present invention can be satisfied by a more standard or uniform form of the individual particles of the granular detergent. A more uniform shape results in a more uniform dispersion and a reduction in points of contact between the particles, as discussed above. The shape can be measured in a number of different ways known to those ordinarily skilled in the art. One such method is to use optical microscopy with the Optimus image analysis software (V5.0). The important calculated parameters are: "Circularity" which is defined as (measured perimeter length of the particle image) 2 / (measured area of the particle image). The circularity of a perfectly even sphere (minimum circularity) is 12.57; and the "Relationship between dimensions", which is defined as the length / width of the particle image. Each of these attributes is important and can be averaged over the volume of the granular detergent composition. In addition, the combination of the two parameters is also important, depending on ^ • MÉUk ^ ßaatfj | aaau | d | i defined by the product of the parameters (that is, both should be controlled to obtain a product with good appearance). Preferably the granular detergent compositions of this invention have a circularity of less than about 50, preferably less than about 30, more preferably less than about 23, more preferably less than about 18. Also preferred are granular detergent compositions! With ratios between dimensions of less than about 2, preferably less than about 1.5, more preferably less than about 1.3, more preferably less than about 1.2. In addition, it is preferable to have a uniform distribution of shape between the particles in the composition. Specifically, the granular detergent compositions of this invention have a standard deviation of the circularity number distribution of less than about 20, I which is preferably less than about 10, more preferably I less than about 7, more preferably less than about 4. And the standard deviation of the number distribution of the relationships between dimensions is preferably less than about 1, more preferably less than about 0.5, still more preferably less than about 0.3, more preferably less than about 0.2. In an especially preferred process of the present invention, granular detergent compositions are produced wherein the product of circularity and the ratio between dimensions is less than about 100, preferably less than about 50, more preferably less than about 30, and more preferably less than about 20. Also preferred are granular detergent compositions with a standard deviation of the circularity product number distribution and the aspect ratio of less than about 45, preferably less than about 20, more preferably less. from about 7, more preferably from less than about 2. Yet another detergent design method to achieve granular detergents that satisfy the aforementioned transition profile, relates to the use of homogeneous detergent compositions in which the homogeneous detergent contributes hey to the mentioned benefits. The homogeneity number describes the distribution of the ingredients within the specific particles and between the particles in a composition. In the past it was believed that the homogeneous distribution of the key ingredients, such as the surfactant both within the particle and between the particles, was optimal. In this manner, the detergent composition would consist of a uniform particle of the same ingredients, such as the spray-dried detergent ingredients, and having significant solubility disadvantages. In recent years, the detergent compositions consist of different particles of dual particle systems. However, these particles differ in composition and form, for example, spray-dried granules and agglomerates.

These detergent products also experience drawbacks of solubility. However, a detergent composition having a homogeneity number of less than about 0.5 or more than about 1.0, more preferably greater than 1.25 and more preferably greater than about 1.5, has superior solubility profiles for the present invention. The homogeneity number is represented by the formula: HN = X IX volume part where Xvolume measures the homogeneity of the particles in the compositions, while the Xparte is the measure of the homogeneity of the individual particles. In this way, Xvolumen is the relationship of the concentration of the selected ingredient in the particle with the lowest levels of that ingredient, at the concentration of the selected ingredient in the particle with the highest levels of the selected ingredient, and Xparte is the ratio of the concentration in the discrete area to the lowest amount of the selected ingredient, to the concentration in the discrete area of the particle having the highest amounts of the selected ingredient, of less than about 0.5 or more than about 1, preferably greater than about 1.25, and more preferably higher that approximately 1.5.

Thus, in a detergent composition Xvolume is' in relation to the concentration of a selected detergent ingredient, such as a surfactant, builder, etc. in the particles of the composition with the lowest levels of the selected ingredient, to the concentration of the selected ingredient in the particles with the highest level I of the selected ingredient. This provides homogeneity between particles of the composition. Thus, Xvolumen is represented by the formula: X = X I X volume min max where Xm? r? is the concentration of the ingredient selected in the particles of the composition with the lowest levels of the selected ingredient, and Xmax is the concentration of a detergent ingredient selected in the particles of the composition with the highest levels of the selected ingredient. For example, a detergent composition in which the particles have the same concentration, such as a spray-dried granule with a surfactant with an active concentration of 25%, Xvolume is equal to one (1) or 0.25 / 0.25. However, in a composition comprising a spray-dried granule of surfactant at % and a detergent agglomerate of 30% detergent active, Xvolumen serious equal to 0.67 or 0.2 / 0.3. ? a | M »M_tf > Ad _ ^ _ 1MaaB, ^ _ ^^ _ ^ __ ^^^ _ M? A ^ B¿l Xparte is the ratio of the concentration of an ingredient detergent selected, as a surfactant, improver! of detergency, etc. in the same particle, or in other words, a measure of homogeneity of the individual particle. Xparte is the ingredient ratio selected in discrete areas of the particle. Xparte is' in relation to the concentration in the discrete area with the lowest concentration of the t ingredient, to the concentration of the selected ingredient in the area discrete with the highest concentration inside the particle. So, Xparte presents with the formula: 10 X = X I X part min max where Xmn is the concentration of the selected ingredient in the area discrete in the particle with the lowest levels of the selected ingredient, and Xma? is the concentration of a detergent ingredient selected in the discrete areas in the particle with the highest levels of the selected ingredient. A discrete area of the present invention is an area in which there is a clear morphological difference between the areas, and it is usually an area that accounts for more than 1%, preferably 5%, of the volume of the particle. For example, a particle that is homogeneous in The entire particle has only one (1) discrete area. In this way, a particle that has the same concentration in the whole particle, as a spray-dried grain, with an active concentration of agent • - - > ** - * - * > - * - I % surfactant, Xparte knows '9ua' at one (1) ° 0.25 / 0.25 since the particle contains only a discrete area. However, in a particle that is agglomerated from two different starting ingredients, comp the spray-dried granules having 5% active surfactant and dry detergent agglomerates having 50% I active surfactant to form blended agglomerates. As defined here, Xvolume would be equal to OJ or 0.05 / 0.5. The homogeneity number of the present invention is calculated in particles comprising the volume of the detergent composition. Thus, the particles that individually or collectively account for less than about 10% by weight of the finished composition should not be used in the calculation of the homogeneity number. Normally the ingredient includes additive ingredients such as enzymes, bleaching ingredients, perfume ingredients and several other minor additions. Although you do not want to be limited by theory, it is believed that by concentrating certain ingredients and / or separating them selectively, it is possible to avoid gelation after dissolution, due to the chemical interactions between the particles. Such ingredients include the separation of surfactants, such as alcolfiol-based surfactants and alkylbenzene sulfonates from one another, and / or the pooling of electrolytes with a type of surfactants results in improved solubility. By way of example, a fully formulated detergent composition which comprises a surfactant system having an electrolyte-rich surfactant zone and a surfactant zone devoid of electrolyte, can be employed to provide a granular detergent with improved solubility. The composition may be in the form of a single particle with 5 separate discrete surfactant zones, or it may be in the form of multiple particles wherein each surfactant zone is represented by a separate particle. The electrolyte-free surfactant zone comprises less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, still more preferably less than about 2% and more preferably about 0% electrolyte in conjunction with a surfactant or mixtures of surfactants, selected from the class of alcoholsulfate surfactants. Meanwhile, the electrolyte-rich surfactant zone comprises more than about 20%, more preferably more than about 35% and more preferably more than about 45% of electrolyte together with a surfactant or mixtures of surfactants selected from the class of alkylbenzelsulfonate surfactants. In this way, by means of the separation of zone where the electrolyte is separated from the vicinity of the surfactants 20 of alcohol sulphate, the formation of lumpy gel residues is reduced to a minimum and / or decreases, resulting in dissolution profiles. and upper dispersion for the granular detergent of the present invention. ? m.

Also another method for improving the solubility of the granular detergent compositions is to selectively cover the particles with a coating agent and in particular the particles that They include ingredients of a sticky nature, such as surfactants. Such coating methods are well known to those who are ordinarily skilled in the art, for example spray drums. Finally, the solubility of a granular detergent composition can be impacted by the methods used to manufacture the granulated powder. The granular compositions are typically designed to provide in the wash a pH of from about 7.5 to about 11.5, more preferably from about 9.5 to about 10.5. The low density compositions can be prepared by standard spray drying procedures. Various methods and equipment are available to prepare high density compositions. Current commercial practice in the field employs spray-drying towers for making compositions having a density of less than about 500 g / l. Accordingly, if spray drying is used as part of the general procedure, the resulting spray dried particles must be further densified using the means and equipment described below. Alternatively, the formulator can eliminate spray drying using the commercially available mixing, densifying and granulating equipment. The MtfMHMIIII.ilMM below is a non-limiting description of the appropriate equipment that can be used. Various means and equipment are available to prepare high density (ie, more than about 500, preferably more than about 600 grams / liter or "g / l"), high solubility and flow granule detergent compositions. free according to the present invention. Current commercial practice in the field employs spray-drying towers for the manufacture of granular laundry detergents, which often have a density of less than about 500 g / l. In this process, an aqueous suspension of various heat-stable ingredients in the final detergent composition is formed into homogeneous granules, passing it through a spray-drying tower using conventional techniques, at temperatures! from about 175 ° C to about 225 ° C. However, if spray drying is used as part of the general procedure, additional steps in the process as described below should be used to obtain the density level (ie,> 600 g / l) required by the modern low-dose compact detergent products. For example, the spray-dried granules of a tower can be further densified by charging a liquid, such as water, or a nonionic surfactant, into the pores of the granules and / or by subjecting them to one or more high-speed mixers / densifiers. A high speed mixer / densifier suitable for this procedure a? ^^^ á is a device marketed under the trade name "Lódige CB 30" or "Lódige CB 30 Recycler", which comprises a cylindrical static mixing drum that has a central rotating shaft with mixing / cutting blades mounted on it . In use, the ingredients for the detergent composition are introduced into the drum and the shaft / blade assembly I i is rotated at speeds in the 100-2500 rpm range to provide deep mixing / densification. See Jacobs et al., U.S. Patent 5,149,455, filed September 22, 1992. The preferred residence time in the high speed mixer / densifier is from about 1 to 60 seconds. Other devices include devices marketed under the trade name of "Shugi Granulator" and under the trade name "Drais K-TTP 80". Another step of the process that can be used to further densify the spray dried granules, comprises grinding and agglomeration or deformation of the spray-dried granules in a moderate speed mixer / densifier, in order to obtain particles having a lower porosity inside the particles. A suitable equipment for this step of the procedure are the mixers / densifiers marketed under the trade name "Lódige KM" (Series 300 or 600) or "Lódige Ploughshare". Said equipment is normally operated at 40-160 rpm. The residence time of the detergent ingredients in the moderate speed mixer / densifier is from about 0.1 to 12 minutes. Other useful equipment includes the device, which is available under the trade name of "Drais K-T 160". This method step employing a moderate speed mixer / densifier (eg the Lódige KM) can be used alone or sequentially with the aforementioned high speed mixer / densifier (e.g., Lódige CB) to achieve the desired density. Other tipc-s of apparatus for the manufacture of granules, useful in the present invention include the apparatus described in US Pat. No. 2,306,898, to G.L. Heller, December 29, 1942. While it may be more useful to use the high speed mixer / densifier, followed by the low speed mixer / densifier, the sequential inverse mixer / densifier configuration is also contemplated by the invention. One or a combination of several parameters can be used which include residence times in the mixers / densifiers, equipment operating temperature, temperature and / or composition of the granules, the use of adjunct ingredients such as liquid binders and flow assistants for optimizing the densification of the spray-dried granules in the process of the invention. By way of example, see the procedure of Appel et al., In US Pat. No. 5,133,924, filed July 28, 1992 (the granules are placed in a deformable state before the densification); Delwel et al. US Patent 4,637,891, filed on January 20, 1987 (granulate spray-dried granules with a liquid binder and aluminosilicate); Kruse et al US Patent 4,726,908, filed on February 23, 1988 (granulate granules dried by spraying with a liquid binder and aluminosilicate), and Bortolotti et al US Patent 5,160,657, filed on November 3, 1992 (coating the densified granules with a liquid binder and aluminosilicate.) In the situations in which they must be incorporated the final detergent composition, particularly heat-sensitive or highly volatile detergent ingredients, processes in which spray-drying towers are not included are preferred The formulator can eliminate the spray-drying step by feeding starting detergent ingredients, either a continuous way or in Iptes, directly inside the mixer / densifier equipment that is commercially available. A particularly preferred embodiment comprises charging a paste of surfactant and an anhydrous builder material into a high speed mixer / densifier (e.g., Lódige CB), followed by a moderate speed mixer / densifier (eg, Lódige KM) to form high density detergent agglomerates. See Capeci et al., US Patent 5,366,652, filed on November 22, 1994 and Capeci et al., US Patent 5,486,303, filed January 23, 1996. Optionally, the liquid / solids ratio of the detergent ingredients can be selected. starting in said process, to obtain high density agglomerates that are of a freer flow and dry.

The process may optionally include one or more recycle streams of smaller sized particles produced by the process, which are fed back to the mixer / densifier for agglomeration or further development. The excess sized particles produced by this process can be I sent to a grinding apparatus and then fed back to the mixer / densifier equipment. These additional steps of recycling and the process facilitate the agglomeration and development of the starting detergent ingredients resulting in a finished composition having a uniform distribution of particle size (400-700 microns) and density (> 550 g / l) desired. See Capeci et al., US Patent 5,516,448, filed May 14, 1996 and Capeci et al., US Patent 5,489,392, filed February 6, 1996. Bollier et al., Describe other suitable methods that do not they require the use of spray-drying towers, in U.S. Patent 4,828,721, filed May 9, 1989; Beerse e al al., U.S. Patent 5,108,646, filed April 28, 1992; and Jolicoeur, US Patent 5,178,798, filed January 12, 1993. In another embodiment, the high density detergent composition of the invention can be produced using a fluidized bed mixer. In this process, the various ingredients of the finished composition are combined in an aqueous suspension (usually with a solids content of 80%) and sprayed in a fluidized bed to provide the finished detergent granules. Prior to the fluidized bed, this method can optionally include the step of mixing the suspension using the aforementioned L? Dige CB mixer / densifier, or a "Flexomix 160" mixer / densifier available with Shugi. The fluidized bed or moving beds of the type available under the trade name "Escher Wyss" can be used in said process. Another suitable method that can be used here, comprises feeding a liquid acid precursor of anionic surfactant, an inorganic alkaline material (eg sodium carbonate) and optionally other detergent ingredients, into a high speed mixer / densifier ( residence from 5 to 30 seconds) to form agglomerates containing partially or fully neutralized anionic surfactant salt and the other precursor detergent ingredients. Optionally, the content in the high speed mixer / densifier can be sent to a moderate speed mixer / densifier (eg, Lódige KM) for an additional agglomeration which results in the finished high density detergent composition. See Appel eí al. US Patent 5,164,108, filed November 17, 1992. Optionally, high density detergent compositions according to the invention can be produced by mixing conventional or densified spray-dried detergent granules with detergent agglomerates in various portions (for example a ratio in t 60:40 weight of granules to agglomerates) produced by one or! a combination of the procedures discussed here. Additional adjunct ingredients, such as enzymes, perfumes, brighteners and the like, may be sprayed or mixed, are the agglomerates, granules or mixtures thereof, produced by the process discussed herein. Bleaching compositions in granulated form normally limit the water content, for example, to less than about 7% free water, for better storage stability. In another optional step of the process, the starting ingredients comprising spray-dried granules and agglomerates formed as described above, can optionally be combined with other starting ingredients such as carbonate, etc., and a liquid binder material in a speed blender. high, moderate or low, and agglomerated in a single agglomerated particle and mixed to provide a detergent of uniform size and distribution. The mixed agglomerate can be formed in a single mixer or a series of mixers including moderate speed mixers / densifiers, in combination with fluid bed granulators. Of course, someone ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize that the aforementioned detergent formulation methods are only a representative example of the techniques that can be employed to design a granular detergent of superior and highly soluble performance, and that any of the these techniques and / or other methods, or a combination thereof.

DETERGENT COMPONENTS The surfactant system of the detergent composition can include the anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, amphoteric and cationic classes, and compatible mixtures thereof. Detergent surfactants are described in US Patent 3,664,961, Norris, filed May 23, 1972, and in US Patent 3,919,678, Laughlin et al., Filed December 30, 1975, both are incorporated herein by reference. reference. Cationic surfactants include those described in US Patent 4,222,905, Cockrell, filed September 16, 1980 and in US Patent 4,239,659, Murphy, filed December 16, 1980, both also incorporated herein by reference. Non-limiting examples of surfactant systems include the conventional alkylbenzene sulphonates of C? < | -C- | 8 ("LAS") and branched chain randomized primary C10-C20 alkyl sulfates ("AS"), the secondary C-10-C18 (2,3) -alkylsulfonates of the formula CH3 (CH2)? (CHOS? 3-M +) CH3 and CH3 (CH2) and (CHOS? 3-M +) CH2CH3 where xy (y + 1) are integers of at least about 7, preferably at least about 9, and M is a cation soluble in water, especially sodium, unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfates, C10-18 alkyl alkyloxy sulfates ("AEXS"), especially ethoxylated sulfates.

EO 1-7), C10-C18 alkyl-alkyloxycarboxylates (especially the EO 1-5 ethoxycarboxylates), the glycerol ethers of C < | -C < 8, the alkyl polyglycosides of CI QCI S and their corresponding sulfated polyglycosides, and the alpha-sulfonated fatty acid esters of C ^ -C-jd- If so desired can also be included in the surfactant system the surfactants do not conventional ionic and amphoteric, such C12-C18 alkyl ethoxylates ("AE") including the so-called narrow-spun alkyl ethoxylates and the phenolic C6-C12 alkylalkoxylates (especially ethoxylated and mixed ethoxy / propoxy), C-12-betaines C18 and sulfobetaines ("sultaines"), amine oxides of C- | rj-C- | 8, and similar. The N-alkyl polyhydroxyamides of C-I O-C-J S fatty acid can also be used. Typical examples include the N-methylglucamides of C-12-C13. See WO 9,206,154. Other surfactants derived from sugar include the N-alkoxy polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, such as N- (3-methoxypropyl) glucamide from C < ? o-Ci8- The N-propyl to C-2-C- Nfexyl-glucamides can be used. 8 for low foaming. Conventional C- | o-C2 soaps can also be used? - If high foaming is desired, the branched chain C-jo-Cl6 soaps can be used. Mixtures of anionic and nonionic surfactants are especially useful. Other useful conventional surfactants are mentioned in the standard texts. The detergent composition can, and preferably should, include a builder. The detergency builders are generally selected from among various ammonium phosphates, polyphosphates, phosphonates, polyphosphonates, carbonates, silicates, borates, polyhydroxysulfonates, polyacetates, carboxylates and polycarboxylates or substituted with alkali metal ammonium and water soluble. Preferred are the alkali metal salts, especially sodium, thereof. Especially preferred for use herein are phosphates, carbonates, silicates, C 10 -C 18 fatty acids, polycarboxylafos and mixtures thereof. More preferred are sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, citrate, tartrate mono- and di-succinates, sodium silicate and mixtures thereof (see below). Specific examples of inorganic builders of phosphate builders are tripolisfofato, pyrophosphate, polymeric metaphosphate of sodium and potassium, which have a degree of polymerization of about 6 to 21, and orthophosphates. Examples of polyphosphonate builders are the sodium and potassium salts of ethylene diphosphonic acid, the sodium and potassium salts of ethane 1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonic acid and the sodium and potassium salts of acid 1, 1, 2-triphosphonic acid. Other phosphorous builder compounds are described in US Patents 3,159,581; 3,213,030; 3,422,021; 3,422,137; 3,400,176 and 3,400,148, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of inorganic non-phosphorus builders are carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, tetraborate decahydrate and sodium and potassium silicates having a weight ratio of S1O2 to alkali metal oxide of about 0.5 to iHBÜMaÜ i about 4.0, preferably from about 1.0 to about 2.4. The water-soluble non-phosphorus organic builders that are useful herein include various polyacetates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates, and ammonium polyhydroxysulfonates and substituted alkali metal ammonium. Examples of polyacetate and polycarboxylate detergent builders are the sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, melific acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids and citric acid. Polymeric polycarboxylate builders are described in U.S. Patent 3,308,067, Diehl, filed March 7, 1967, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Such materials include the water-soluble salts of homo- and copolymers of aliphatic carboxylic acids, such as maleic acid, itaconic acid, mesaconic acid, fumaric acid, aconitic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic acid. Some of these materials are useful as the water soluble anionic polymer described below, but only if they are in intimate admixture with the non-soap anionic surfactant. Other polycarboxylates suitable for use in the present invention are the polyacetal carboxylates described in US Patent 4,144,226, filed March 13, 1979 to Crutchfield et al., And US Patent 4,246,495, filed March 27, 1979. to Crutchfield et al., both incorporated herein by reference. These polyacetal carboxylates i they can be prepared by attaching a glyoxylic acid ester and a polymerization initiator under polymerization conditions. The polyacetal carboxylate ester is then attached to chemically stable end groups to stabilize the polyacetal carboxylate against rapid depolymerization in an alkaline solution, converted to the corresponding salt and added to a detergent composition. Particularly preferred polycarboxylate builders are the ether carboxylate builder compositions comprising a combination of tartrate monosuccinate and tartrate disuccinate, described in US Patent 4,663,071, filed May 5, 1987, to Bush et al. , whose description is incorporated here as a reference. The water soluble silicate solids represented by the formula Si? 2 * M2 ?, M which is an alkali metal, and which have a weight ratio Si? 2: M2? from about 0.5 to about 4.0, are useful salts in the detergent granules of the invention, at levels from about 2% to about 15% on an anhydrous weight basis, preferably from about 3% to about 8%. The anhydrous or hydrated particulate silicate can also be used. Any number of additional ingredients may also be included as components in the granular detergent composition. These include other detergency builders, bleaches, bleach activators, foam activators or foam suppressors, anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion agents, soil suspending agents, soil release agents, germicides, pH adjusting agents, alkalinity sources, no detergency improvements , chelating agents, I smectite clays, enzymes, top stabilizing agents and perfumes. See U.S. Patent 3,936,537, filed on February 3, 1976 to Baskerville, Jr. et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference. I Bleaching agents and bleach activators are described in US Pat. No. 4,412,934, Chung et al.

November 1983, and in U.S. Patent 4,483,781, Hartman, filed November 20, 1984, both incorporated herein by reference.

Also the chelating agents are described in US Patent 4,663J071, Bush et al., From column 17, line 54 to column 18, line 68, incorporated herein by reference. Foam modifiers are also optional ingredients and are described in US Patent 3,933J672, filed January 20, 1976 to Bartoletta et al., And 4,136,045, filed January 23, 1979 to Gault et al., Both incorporated herein. as reference.

Smectite clays suitable for use in the present invention are described in U.S. Patent 4,762,645, Tucker et al, filed August 9, 1988, column 6 line 3 to column 7 line 24, incorporated herein by reference. Additional builders suitable for use in the invention are listed in the Baskerville Patent, column 13, line 54 to column 16 line 16, and in U.S. Patent 4,663,071, Bush et al, filed May 5, 1987. , both incorporated here as reference. The following examples are presented solely for the purpose of illustration, and in no way should they be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims. | Abbreviations used in the examples In the detergent compositions, the abbreviated identifications of the component have the following meanings: LAS: Linear sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate of C-] 1_13 TAS: Sodium tallow alkyl sulfate C45AS: C14 - C15 sodium alkylsulfate C45E3S: C - 14 - C - 15 sodium alkylsulfate condensed with 3 moles of ethylene oxide. QAS: R2.N + (CH3) 2 (C2H4OH) with R2 = C2-C14 I Zeolite A: Hydrated sodium aluminosilicate of the formula Na < | 2 (A1? 2Si? 2) 12.27H2 ?, having a primary particle size on the OJ scale at 10 microns expressed on an anhydrous basis) NaSKS-6: Crystalline layered silicate of the formula d-Na2Si2? 5 Citric acid: Anhydrous citric acid Carbonate: Anhydrous sodium carbonate with a particle size between 200 μm and 900 μm Bicarbonate: Anhydrous sodium bicarbonate with a particle size distribution between 400 μm and 1200 μm Sulphate: Anhydrous sodium sulfate Mg sulphate: Anhydrous magnesium sulfate Citrate: Trisodium citrate dihydrate of 86.4% activity with a particle size distribution between 425 μm and 850 μm MA / AA: Copolymer of maleic acid / acrylic acid 1: 4, average molecular weight of approximately 70,000 t AA: Sodium polyacrylate polymer with an average molecular weight of 4,500 Protease: Proteolytic enzyme, having 4% by weight of active enzyme, as described in WO 95/10591, sold by Genencor Int. Inc. Cellulase: Cellulite enzyme, which has 0.23% by weight of active enzyme, sold by NOVO Industries A / S under the trade name Carezyme Amylase: Amylolytic enzyme, which has 1.6% by weight of active enzyme, sold by NOVO Industries A / S under the trade name Termamyl 120T Lipase: Lipolytic enzyme, which has 2.0% by weight of active enzyme, sold by NOVO Industries A / S under the trade name Lipolase Perborate Sodium Perborate Percarbonate Sodium Percarbonate NOBS: Nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate in the form of sodium salt NAC-OBS (6- nonamidocaproyl) oxybenzenesulfonate TAED Tetraacetylethylenediamine DTPA Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid EDDS EthylenediamideN, N'-disuccinic acid, isomer (S, S) in the form of its sodium salt Photoactivated Ftalocian sulfonated zinc ina encapsulated in dextrin-soluble polymer, bleach (1) 4,4'-bis (4-anilino-6-morpholino-1, 3,5-triazin-2-yl) amino) brightener disodium stilbene-2,2'-disulfonate HEDP 1,1-Hydroxy-butyndiphosphonic acid PEGx Polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of x (typically 4,000)! QEA bis ((C2H5?) (C2H4?) N) (CH3) -N + -C6H12-N + - (CH3) bis ((C2H5?) - (C2H4?)) N, where n = from 20 to 30 SRP 2 : Short polymer block poly (1, 2 propylene terephthalate) diethoxylated Antifoam Silicone: Polydimethylsiloxane foam controller with siloxane-oxyalkylene copolymer as dispersion agent with a ratio of said foam controller to said dispersing agent from 10: 1 to 100: 1 In the following examples, all levels are calculated as% by weight of the composition: EXAMPLE I The following compositions are according to the invention.

The compositions exemplified above have at least 90% by weight of particles having a geometric average particle diameter of about 850 microns., with a standard geometric deviation of approximately 1.2. The compositions unexpectedly have improved aesthetics, fluidity and solubility. For example, formula I has a dispersion in which R * is less than 1%, m is 0.86, dispersion is 2.5 minutes and an ROD of U * of 11.9%, IRRD of 2.23 and n is 1.15. Having thus described the invention in detail, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art, that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and this should not be considered as limited to what is described in the specification.

Claims (8)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A granular detergent composition having an average volumetric density of at least about 400 [g / l and I which is characterized by a dispersion velocity as defined in the equation: where R is the undissolved residual detergent at any point in time, t, R * is the long-term non-dispersed residual detergent having a value of less than about 14% of the total amount of an initial dose of detergent, t is any point in time, m is an extension exponent that has a value of less than approximately 2, DT is the! Dispersion time that has a value of less than about 0.5 and wash is the time of the wash cycle.

2. The granular detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least 90% of the insoluble residues of the granular detergent composition have an average particle size I of less than about 10 μm.

3. - The granular detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that R * has a value of less than about 7%, m has a value of less than about 1.5 and

DT has a value of less than about 0.25. 4. The granular detergent composition according to claim 3, further characterized in that R * has a value of less than about 3.5%, m has a value of less than about 1 and DT has a value of less than about 0J2.

5. - The granular detergent composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that said detergent composition has a dissolution rate as defined by the equation: wherein U is the undissolved surfactant fraction at any point in time, t, U * is the long-term undissolved residual surfactant having a value of less than about 14% of the total amount of the initial dose of the surfactant, t is any point in time, n is an extension exponent that has a value of less than approximately 2, RT is the dissolution time that has a value of less than about 0.5 and t | avacj0 is the time of the wash cycle.

6. - The granular detergent composition according to claim 4, further characterized in that U * has a value of less than about 7%, n has a value of less than about 1.5 and RT has a value of less than about 0.25.

7. The granular detergent composition according to claim 5, further characterized in that U * has a value of mencs of about 3.5%, n has a value of less than about 1 and RT has a value of less than about OJ 2.

8. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 7, further characterized in that said composition contains insoluble residues and at least about 90% of said insoluble residues have a particle size of less than i of about 15 μm. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Granular detergent compositions are provided having an average gross density of at least about 400 g / L and characterized by a dispersion rate under cold water conditions under tension as defined by equation (1), 10 where R is the undispersed residual detergent at any point of time, t, R is the undispersed, long-term residual detergent that has a value of less than about 14% of the total amount of a detergent dose , t is any point in time, m is an exponent of extension 15 that has a value of less than 2, DT is the time of dispersion that has a value of less than about 0.5, and t | avac is the cycle's time of washing; and at least 90% of the insoluble particulate debris of said granular detergent composition has a particle size of less than 15 μm; in preferred embodiments, the detergent composition has a dissolution rate under cold water conditions under tension as defined by equation (2), ^^ n where U is the fraction of undissolved surfactant at any point in time, t, U is the undissolved surfactant detergent along the length of which it has a value of less than about 14% of the total amount of a initial dose of surfactant detergent, t is any point in time, n is an extension exponent that has a value of less than about 2, RT is the dissolution time that has a value of less than about 0.5 and t is completed the time of the washing cycle. P01 / 457F GG / cgt *. A ** i «fc ^