Spray-drying process

US7811980B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• Hossam Hassan Tantawy · Morpeth, GB
• Nigel Patrick Somerville Roberts · Newcastle upon Tyne, GB
• Simon Howe · South Shields, GB
• Stuart Andrew Caldwell · Newcastle upon Tyne, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 9, 2009
• Grant date: Oct 12, 2010
• Expiry date: Jun 9, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C11D11/02
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a spray-dried powder comprising (i) anionic detersive surfactant; (ii) from 0 wt % to 10 wt % zeolite builder; (iii) from 0 wt % to 10 wt % phosphate builder; and (iv) optionally from 0 wt % to 15 wt % silicate salt; wherein the process comprises the steps of: (a) forming an alkaline slurry in a mixer, the slurry comprising: (v) from 0 wt % to 15 wt % anionic detersive surfactant; (vi) from 0 wt % to 35 wt % water; and (b) transferring the alkaline slurry from the mixer through at least one pump to a spray pressure nozzle; (c) contacting an acid anionic detersive surfactant precursor to the alkaline slurry after the mixer and before the spray pressure nozzle to form a mixture; (d) spraying the mixture through the spray pressure nozzle into a spray-drying tower; (e) spray-drying the mixture to form a spray-dried powder; and (f) optionally, contacting an alkalinity source with the alkaline slurry and/or the acid anionic detersive surfactant precursor, and/or the mixture.