U.S. patent number 3,607,763 [Application Number 04/878,989] was granted by the patent office on 1971-09-21 for process for the preparation of laundering compositions.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Colgate-Palmolive Company. Invention is credited to Marvin Liebowitz, Leo A. Salmen, Jerome Stanley Schrager.
United States Patent |
3,607,763 |
Salmen , et al. |
September 21, 1971 |
PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF LAUNDERING COMPOSITIONS
Abstract
A process for the preparation of a spray-dried, built,
detergent-softener composition containing an ethoxylated nonionic
detergent in combination with a di-higher alkyl quaternary ammonium
textile softener is described which comprises the steps of (1)
admixing the softener, nonionic detergent, and water to form an
aqueous mixture containing a homogeneous dispersion of the
softener; (2) incorporating an inorganic sodium or potassium
phosphate builder in the aqueous mixture of step 1 to form a
mixture containing more than 50 percent solids by weight, the
temperature of the mixture being at least about 180.degree. F. at
the time the phosphate is introduced therein, and (3) spray drying
the mixture of step 2.
Inventors: |
Salmen; Leo A. (Union City,
NJ), Liebowitz; Marvin (Edison, NJ), Schrager; Jerome
Stanley (Cedar Grove, NJ) |
Assignee: |
Colgate-Palmolive Company (New
York, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
25373211 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/878,989 |
Filed: |
December 5, 1969 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
587364 |
Sep 26, 1966 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
510/331; 510/324;
510/326; 510/443; 510/504; 510/453 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D
11/02 (20130101); C11D 1/835 (20130101); C11D
3/001 (20130101); D06M 13/463 (20130101); C11D
1/62 (20130101); C11D 1/72 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
D06M
13/00 (20060101); D06M 13/463 (20060101); C11D
1/835 (20060101); C11D 11/02 (20060101); C11D
3/00 (20060101); C11D 1/38 (20060101); C11D
1/72 (20060101); C11D 1/62 (20060101); C11d
001/62 (); C11d 001/86 (); C11d 003/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;252/137,152,99 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Rosdol; Leon D.
Assistant Examiner: Halpern; M.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of Ser. No. 587,364, filed Sept. 26, 1966,
now abandoned.
Claims
We claim:
1. A process for preparing a spray-dried granular
softener-detergent composition consisting essentially of (a) about
2 percent to about 8 percent by weight of a quaternary ammonium
textile softener represented by the general formula ##SPC2##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups each containing from 1
to 3 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are alkyl groups each
containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms; and X is selected from the
group consisting of chlorine, bromine, and methyl sulfate; (b)
about 5 percent to 30 percent by weight of a water-soluble nonionic
detergent having a hydrophobic group of 8 to 30 carbon atoms
condensed with 5 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide; (c) about 20
percent to 65 percent of a sodium or potassium inorganic phosphate
builder salt; and (d) 5 to 15 percent water which comprises the
steps of: (1) admixing water, said nonionic detergent, and
quaternary ammonium softener to form an aqueous mixture wherein the
quaternary softener is homogeneously dispersed; (2) introducing a
sodium or potassium inorganic phosphate builder salt into said
aqueous mixture whereby a mixture containing more than 50 percent
of solids is formed, the temperature of the mixture being at least
about 180.degree. F. and below 212.degree. F. at the time said
phosphate is introduced therein; and (3) spray drying the mixture
of step 2.
2. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein said water, said
nonionic, and said softener are admixed at a temperature in the
range of about 130.degree. F. to about 160.degree. F. and the
temperature of said mixture is raised to at least about 180.degree.
F. prior to the introduction of said phosphate.
3. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein said water, said
nonionic, and said softener are admixed at a temperature of at
least 180.degree. F.
4. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one
water-soluble inorganic diluent selected from the group consisting
of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium
chloride and sodium silicate is introduced prior to, simultaneously
with, or after said introduction of said phosphate, the amount of
said diluent being sufficient to provide 10 to 37.5 percent by
weight of said diluent in the spray-dried product.
5. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein a sodium or
potassium carboxymethylcellulose salt is introduced prior to,
simultaneously with or after said introduction of said phosphate,
the amount of said cellulose being sufficient to provide 0.5
percent to about 5.33 percent by weight of said cellulose in the
spray-dried product.
6. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the temperature of
the mixture of step 1 is about 180.degree. F. to about 190.degree.
F. at the time said phosphate is introduced.
7. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein said phosphate
builder salt is sodium or potassium tripolyphosphate.
8. A process in accordance with claim 4 wherein said diluent is
sodium or potassium sulfate.
9. A process in accordance with claim 8 wherein said sulfate is
added after said phosphate salt and a sodium or potassium
carboxymethylcellulose is introduced thereafter, the amount of said
cellulose being sufficient to provide 0.5 percent to about 5.33
percent by weight thereof in the spray-dried product.
10. A process in accordance with claim 9 wherein the mixture formed
and spray dried contains about 59 percent to about 65 percent
solids by weight.
Description
A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF LAUNDERING COMPOSITIONS
This invention relates to the preparation of laundering
compositions and more particularly to a process for preparing
spray-dried granular laundering compositions.
The application of Harold Eugene Wixon filed Aug. 2, 1966 bearing
Ser. No. 576,493 entitled LAUNDERING COMPOSITIONS, now U.S. Pat.
No. 3,360,470, which is incorporated by reference herein, concerns
itself with a novel composition comprising a quaternary ammonium
textile softener and an alkali metal carboxymethylcellulose. The
function of the softening agent is to render fabrics and textiles
"soft" with respect to handle, hand, touch, or feel. However, due
to the presence of colored colloidal particles in most water
supplies, these cationic softening agents, while "softening," have
a tendency to yellow fabrics and, therefore an antiyellowing agent,
i.e., the alkali metal carboxymethylcellulose, is introduced in
sufficient amount to inhibit the yellowing effect. This particular
softener composition can be used together with a detergent
composition in the wash cycle rather than having it introduced in
the rinse cycle, which is generally the case with fabric
softeners.
The practice has been to form the components of the softener
composition into granules and mix these granules with detergent
composition granules to produce a commercial package. This is
usually accomplished by using a "three-step" process, which merely
means that the softener granules and the detergent granules are
prepared separately by crutching and spray drying and the two kinds
of granules are subsequently blended to produce the product. The
"three-step" process as the term is used in the industrial sense is
not given a literal interpretation. Actually, the first two steps
are complete processes within themselves for crutching and
spray-drying a particular composition, in this case a softener or
detergent composition. The third step is concerned with the
blending of the two components.
Although the "three-step" process produced a satisfactory product,
it was uneconomical in that either two sets of crutching and
spray-drying equipment were needed if preparation of the softener
and detergent granules was to take place simultaneously or, in the
alternative, the preparation time had to be extended if the same
equipment was to be used first for one type of granule and then for
the other type of granule. In both cases, of course, a blending
machine was still necessary to mix the granules. It can be readily
seen that the elimination of one of the crutching-spray drying
procedures and the blending step not only would save equipment but
would save time and eliminate some material waste.
A "one-step" process was then attempted in order to eliminate the
need for extra equipment and cut the process time by preparing the
softener and detergent in a form whereby each granule contained by
proportionate share of softener and detergent. It was felt that
this process would also reduce segregation and contribute to a
higher uniformity of product.
In order to carry out the "one-step" process, softener and
detergent components as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,360,470
referred to above, were mixed in a crutcher under the assumption
that after crutching, the mixture of components could then be
spray-dried in a conventional manner; however, it was found that
when more than 47 percent solids (by weight based on the total
weight of the ingredients introduced into the crutcher) were
present in the crutcher substantially irreversible gelation
occurred to the extent that spray drying could not be effected. The
"one-step" process was, therefore, unfeasible in an industry where
generally more than 47 percent solids and preferably about 59 or
60- 65 percent solids must be spray-dried in order to produce an
economical product. In view of the problem of gelation, it became
apparent that it was more economical to prepare a
softener-detergent product from the foregoing "three-step" process
than to use a "one-step" process with 47 percent or less solids,
especially in view of the fact that the gelation was found to be
substantially irreversible even though water dilution and heating
were applied to break the gel.
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an
economical "one-step" process for the preparation of spray-dried
softener-detergent granules based on an amount of crutcher solids
which is more than 47 percent by weight and preferably about 59 to
about 65 percent by weight.
A further object is to provide a process whereby the spray-dried
softener-detergent granules are such that the softener and
detergent compositions are combined in each granule in a
homogeneous relationship.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the
following description of the invention.
In accordance with the invention, a "one-step" process has been
found for preparing a spray-dried granular softener-detergent
composition wherein each granule is composed of a homogeneous
mixture of softener-detergent components comprising:
a. admixing water, a water-soluble nonionic detergent, and a
quaternary ammonium salt at a temperature of at least 180.degree.
F., wherein the quaternary salt is homogeneously dispersed therein
and the mixture contains more than 47 percent solids by weight;
b. introducing an alkali metal phosphate builder into the mixture;
and
c. spray-drying the mixture.
It is preferred that at or about the time of introduction of the
alkali metal phosphate, during step (b) an inorganic water soluble
diluent to provide bulk and an alkali carboxymethylcellulose as an
antiyellowing agent, be added. So long as the temperature of the
mixture is at least 180.degree. F., and the quaternary salt is
dispersed, the order of addition of the alkali metal phosphate and
the inorganic water soluble diluent (electrolytes) is immaterial.
The alkali metal carboxymethylcellulose can be added at any point
of the process.
The spray-dried product of this invention has been found
exceptionally satisfactory in the following parameters: solubility,
free flow, low dust content, storage, narrow distribution of
particle sizes, bulk density, residual moisture content, and color.
The granules, which, as previously mentioned, contain a homogeneous
mixture of softener-detergent composition, are hollow and have
sufficient strength to resist the stress and strain of handling
which take place throughout the processing, packaging, and delivery
stages of their commercial life. The final cup weight of the
commercial product is preferably from about 60 to 125 grams,
flowability about 70 percent to about 80 percent, and particle size
about 16 to about 60 mesh. Cup weight is based on a cup which holds
237 grams of water.
A more detailed description of the process of this invention
follows:
The first part of the process is carried out in conventional
crutching apparatus wherein initially water, a water-soluble
nonionic detergent, and a quaternary ammonium salt are introduced
simultaneously or in any order which is desirable to the operator.
The preferred order is that stated.
All of the conventional water-soluble nonionic detergents can be
used in the process of this invention, but are preferably in liquid
or paste form. Generally, such nonionics have a hydrophobic group
containing at least eight carbon atoms and preferably 8 to 30
carbon atoms. One particular class of such detergents is that
formed by the oxyalkylation of fatty acids, alcohols, phenols,
mercaptans, thiophenols, amines, and amides with ethylene oxide,
propylene oxide, and other related alkylene oxides. Such materials
usually have at least 5 mols of alkylene oxide, and preferably 5 to
30 mols of alkylene oxide, depending upon the particular
hydrophobic group desired. Representative of these materials are
those formed by condensation of ethylene oxide with alkyl phenols
or alcohols. Particularly preferred herein are condensates formed
by the reaction of one mol of nonyl phenol or a mixture of C.sub.12
-C.sub. 18 saturated, straight-chain, aliphatic alcohols with 8 to
12mols of ethylene oxide, the condensates containing an average of
about 8 to 10 ethylene oxide groups per molecule. Some specific
examples of this type of nonionic detergent are as follows: nonyl
phenol-ethylene oxide condensates having an average of 9.5 ethylene
oxide groups per molecule; a mixture of saturated aliphatic
alcohols having from 14 carbons to 18 carbons in their chains and
an average of 8.5 mols of ethylene oxide per molecule; tallow
alcohol-ethylene oxide condensate having an average of 9 mols of
ethylene oxide per molecule; and a 1:1 mixture of a C.sub.12 and a
C.sub.14 saturated aliphatic alcohol having an average of 8.5 mols
of ethylene oxide per molecule. Other alkylphenol condensates are
those of diamylphenol, p-tert-octylphenol, 2,4-dicyclohexylphenol,
m-pentadecylphenol, and benzyl-o-hydroxybiphenyl. Other condensates
with alkylene oxide are those of tall oil, branched chain C.sub.14
to C.sub.17 aliphatic alcohols, lanolin, beeswax, bis-phenols,
oxidized paraffin wax, napthenic acids, and fatty acyl
alkanolamides. Mixtures of various water soluble nonionic
detergents are contemplated.
The quaternary ammonium salt softener can be exemplified by the
following general formula: ##SPC1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are
alkyl groups each containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 and
R.sub. 4 are aliphatic groups each containing from 12 to 22 carbon
atoms; and X is selected from the group consisting of chlorine,
bromine, and methyl sulfate. These compounds are readily
dispersible in water. Specific examples are as follows: distearyl
dimethyl quaternary ammonium chloride; distearyl dimethyl
quaternary ammonium bromide; distearyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium
methylsulfate; dicoco dimethyl quaternary ammonium chloride;
dimethyl arachidyl behenyl quaternary ammonium chloride; dialkyl
dimethyl quaternary ammonium chloride, the alkyl groups of which
comprise a mixture consisting essentially of 24 parts hexadecyl 75
parts octadecyl and 1 part octadecenyl groups; the latter
quaternary ammonium chloride is also known as dimethyl
dihydrogenated ditallow ammonium chloride and is particularly
preferred. Mixtures of two or more cationic softener agents can be
employed if desired. (The term "coco" refers to fatty acid groups
formed in coconut oil fatty acids. Such acids contain from about 8
to about 18 carbon atoms per molecule, predominating in C.sub.12 -
C.sub.14 acids). Other examples are dimethyl ditallow hydrazinium
chloride and dimethyl ditallow quaternary ammonium methyl
sulfate.
The proportions of the foregoing components which can be used are
as follows: water--about 33 percent to about 43 percent and
preferably about 35 percent to about 41 percent; nonionic
detergent--about 3.5 percent to about 20 percent and preferably
about 4.5 percent to about 8.5 percent; quaternary ammonium
salt--about 1 percent to about 6 percent and preferably about 2.5
percent to about 4 percent. These percentages are by weight and
based on the total weight of the initial materials as introduced
into the crutcher. The proportions of the other components will be
set forth below.
It is important that the quaternary ammonium salt be homogeneously
dispersed in the mixture before the phosphate builder is added.
This is accomplished by heating or agitation caused by merely
admixing the water, nonionic, and quaternary salt or by external
means. Both agitation and heating are discussed below. The
homogeneous dispersion of the quaternary ammonium salt bears a
similarity to a melt or solution of the salt in the water and
nonionic.
Agitation, which is preferred and practical, can be initiated
before, during, or after the water, nonionic detergent, and
quaternary ammonium salt are introduced into the crutcher. The
speed of agitation can range from about 100 revolutions per minute
(r.p.m.) to about 500 r.p.m. and preferably from about 150 r.p.m.
to about 400 r.p.m. and can be varied during the course of the
process. The given rates are based on the used of conventional
equipment. Actually, any reasonable movement or agitation of the
mixture will suffice to carry out the process of this invention so
long as it commences before or at the same time as the addition of
the second group of components, although high shear agitation is
not practical.
Before introduction of the phosphate, the materials in the crutcher
should be a temperature of at least about 180.degree. F. It is
preferred to initially heat the first group of materials (water,
nonionic, and quaternary salt) about 130.degree. F. to about
160.degree. F; however, there is no prohibition against raising the
temperature at any time before the second group of materials is
added. The particular mode of heating is not important and can be
accomplished with whatever heating apparatus is available so long
as the temperature can be ascertained. Once the temperature of the
mixture has been raised to at least 180.degree. F. and the
quaternary salt is homogeneously dispersed, the second group of
components can be introduced into the crutcher. There is actually
no upper limit for the temperature of heating the crutcher
materials other than keeping the temperature below the boiling
point of water (212.degree. F.). However, the most practical
temperatures are from about 180.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F.
and preferably from about 180.degree. F. to about 190.degree. F. If
the temperature is less than 180.degree. F. and particularly about
175.degree. F. or less, gelation occurs after one or more of the
second group of components is introduced to obtain more than 47
percent solids. It should be noted that between 175.degree. F. and
below about 180.degree. F. there is a gray area in which gelation
is not sharply apparent, but is sufficient to hamper economical
spray-drying. By heating to at least about 180.degree. F., this
partial gelation is also avoided.
Once the proper temperature has been attained, and the quaternary
salt homogeneously dispersed, the alkali metal phosphate, the
inorganic water-soluble diluent, and the alkali metal
carboxymethylcellulose can be introduced into the crutcher. Just as
the first group of components, this second group has no particular
order of introduction and each component can be introduced one at a
time or the entire group can be added simultaneously, although
preferably the order stated is the order followed. Agitation can be
continued until a homogeneous mixture is attained.
Examples of the alkali metal phosphate builder salts are the alkali
metal tripolyphosphates and pyrophosphates of which the sodium and
potassium compounds are most commonly used. These phosphates are
well known in the detergent art as builders and can either be used
alone or as mixtures of different phosphates. More specific
examples of phosphate builder salts are as follows; sodium
tripolyphosphate; sodium phosphate, tribasic; sodium phosphate,
monobasic; sodium phosphate, dibasic, sodium pyrophosphate; sodium
pyrophosphate; acid. The corresponding potassium salts are also
examples of satisfactory builders for use herein along with
mixtures of the salts or corresponding mixed potassium-sodium
salts.
Of the tripolyphosphates, a low phase 1 material is preferred,
i.e., a phase 2 tripolyphosphate associated with a maximum of about
8 percent phase 1 tripolyphosphate, the phase 1 crystalline form
being a high temperature rise material with hydrates more rapidly
than the phase 2 material. The preferred tripolyphosphate form is
conventional for spray drying operation and was used in Example I,
below.
In order to give bulk to the composition, an inorganic water
soluble diluent can be used which is exemplified by the preferred
alkali metal (generally Na or K) sulfates such as sodium sulfate.
These preferred diluents generally do not provide any substantial
detersive activity. Other examples of diluents are sodium chloride
and sodium carbonate. Diluents such as the silicates exemplified by
sodium metasilicate and sodium silicates wherein the ratio of
Na.sub.2 O to SiO.sub.2 is from about 1.6:1 to about 3.2:1; borax;
clays such as kaolin, the montmorillonites, and bentonites; silica
sol; titanium oxide; colloidal aluminum hydroxide; and ammonium
carbonate can also be used; however, it is preferred that the major
proportion of the diluent be an alkali metal sulfate, which can be
considered an inert material.
The third component of the second group is an alkali metal
(generally, Na or K) carboxymethylcellulose, in particular those
having about 0.5 to about 0.8 carboxymethyl group per cellulose
unit. This component is considered an organic builder and as noted
in U.S. Pat. No. 3,360,470 referred to above provides the
antiyellowing effect for the quaternary ammonium softener.
The proportions of the second group of components which are by
weight based on the total weight of components introduced into the
crutcher are as follows: alkali metal phosphate builder salt--about
13 percent to about 45 percent and preferably 27 percent to 33
percent; diluent--about 7 percent to about 25 percent and
preferably 17 percent to about 23 percent; and an alkali metal
carboxymethylcellulose--about 0.3 percent to about 4.5 percent and
preferably about 0.7 percent to about 2.5 percent.
In addition to the stated proportions, the proportions should be
selected in a corresponding ratio so that there will be a
sufficient amount of each component to provide more than 47 percent
solids in the crutcher composition. It should be noted that even
through 59- 60to 65 percent solids are generally considered the
most desirable for spray-drying, all of the solids' percentages
above 47 percent and preferably about 50 percent are important
because the bulk density of the composition after spray-drying is
dependent upon the percentage of solids resulting from the
crutching operation. Although it is not generally the case, there
are some instances when it is commercially necessary to achieve a
bulk density which will result from a lower solids percentage.
However, this does not in any case normally go below the 50 percent
solids level. About 65 percent solids is the upper practical limit
for spray-drying because the high solids content becomes too
difficult to pump; however, higher levels of solids can be crutched
within the process of this invention, if desired.
Crutching time is generally from about 5 minutes to an hour or more
with about 20 to 40 minutes being most desirable. Time is not
critical and it has been found that about 30 minutes provides
satisfactory homogeneity. Times greater than an hour provide no
advantage and shorter than 5 minutes contribute to waste because of
settling.
The spray-drying equipment used is just as conventional as the
crutching equipment. It includes spray nozzles, a high pressure
pump, an air spray system, a heater for the air, and a dust
separator. Two types of systems make use of this equipment. They
are known as parallel-current and countercurrent drying and of
these two systems the countercurrent system is the most desirable;
however, in many cases, both systems are used to take advantage of
each.
Conventional colorants, perfumes, brighteners, and bluing agents
can be added if desired. The amounts of these substances introduced
into the softener-detergent composition are obviously such that
they will not adversely affect the desired properties. The amounts
of all of these substances taken together add up to less than 2
percent by weight of the total weight of the crutcher composition
and preferably less than 1 percent. The colorants are usually in
the form of dyes. Examples of the brighteners are stilbene,
triazole, and benzidine sulfone compositions, the stilbene and
triazole compositions in combination being preferred. These
components are, of course, not an essential part of the
softener-detergent composition used in the process of this
invention. The colorant and perfume are preferably added during or
after spray-drying whereas the brighteners are added to the
crutcher mixture. The bluing agent is usually added to the crutcher
mixture after the water and it is a preferred component because of
its antiyellowing contribution. An example of a bluing agent is
ultramarine blue which has been found to be stable to light,
alkali, and bleach and is insoluble in water. Ultramarine blue is a
well-known blue pigment occurring naturally as the mineral lapis
lazuli and can be synthesized by igniting a mixture of kaolin,
sodium carbonate or sulfate, sulfur, and carbon. The
micropulverized, synthetic ultramarine blues have proved
satisfactory.
The proportions of components which can be present in the final
product in percent by weight based on the total weight of the final
composition are as follows: water--about 5 percent to about 15
percent and preferably about 6.5 percent to about 12.5 percent;
nonionic detergent--about 5 percent to about 30 percent and
preferably about 7 percent to about 12 percent; quaternary ammonium
salt--about 2 percent to about 8 percent and preferably about 4
percent to about 6 percent; alkali metal phosphate builder salts
about 20 percent to about 65 percent and preferably about 40
percent to about 48percent; diluent--about 10 percent to about 37.5
percent and preferably about 25 percent to about 35percent; an
alkali metal carboxymethylcellulose--about 0.5 percent to about
5.33 percent and preferably about 1 percent to about 3.5 percent;
colorant, perfumes, brighteners, and bluing agents--total weight 0
percent to about 2 percent and preferably 0 percent to about 1
percent; bleaching agent--0 percent to about 10 percent and
preferably 0 percent to about 5 percent.
The following examples are illustrative of the invention. Parts and
percentages are by weight.
EXAMPLE I
The following crutcher formula (59.5 percent solids) was used in
this example and the components were introduced in consecutive
order as numbered:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percent in Final Component Percent in Crutcher Spray-dried Product
__________________________________________________________________________
1. water (exclusive of 37.640 10.000 water mentioned below) 2.
ultramarine blue 0.064 0.096 3. nonionic detergent (nonyl
phenol--ethylene oxide condensate having an average of 9 ethylene
oxide groups per molecule) 6.544 9.700 4. softener (dimethyl
dihydro- genated ditallow quaternary ammonium chloride) 3.164 4.500
5. anhydrous sodium sulfate 18.140 27.840 6. a 43.5 percent
solution of sodium silicate in water; ratio of Na.sub.2 O to
SiO.sub.2 is 2.35:1 3.378 2.200 (silicate) 7. sodium
tripolyphosphate 29.735 44.300 8. a 75 percent dispersion of sodium
carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in water 1.213 1.180 (CMC) 9. a
stilbene brightener 0.083 0.184 10. a triazole brightener 0.039
__________________________________________________________________________
The procedure was as follows: Steam at atmospheric pressure was
directed continuously against the jacket of a crutcher equipped
with a paddle mixer after which water was introduced into the
crutcher at 145.degree. F. Ultramarine blue was then added with
medium agitation (150 r.p.m.), followed by the nonionic detergent
without agitation. The quaternary ammonium softener was then
introduced, medium agitation (150 r.p.m.) commenced and the
temperature raised to 180.degree. F. until the quaternary salt was
homogeneously dispersed. Sodium sulfate and sodium silicate were
added consecutively and then the tripolyphospate was introduced
with an increase in agitation (350 r.p.m.), after which the CMC and
the brighteners were added. The crutching time was 30 minutes.
The slurry was then pumped with a triplex pump into a spray tower
where it was met with a countercurrent of hot air. The dried
particles dropped to a conveyor and were transported to an air
lift, which passed the granules along to a separator. Screening,
perfuming, and packaging followed.
The spray tower conditions were as follows:
tower inlet air temperature 510.degree.-520.degree. F. tower outlet
air temperature 185.degree.-269.degree. F. nozzle size 10 number of
nozzles 4 triplex pressure 660 p.s.i.g. Product cup weight 81 -100
grams
The spray-dried product was found to perform well in softening and
laundering.
EXAMPLE II
The same crutcher steps and conditions as in example I are followed
except the order of addition was water, blue, sulfate, silicate,
tripolyphosphate, nonionic detergent, CMC and brighteners, and
quaternary ammonium salt. Agitation is used for all ingredients
except the nonionic detergent. The 180.degree. F. temperature was
invoked before the addition of sulfate.
This procedure produces gelation
EXAMPLE III
The same crutcher steps and conditions prevalent in example I are
followed except that instead of 180.degree. F., a temperature of
175.degree. F. is used.
This procedure produces a gelation
EXAMPLE IV
The same crutcher steps and conditions are followed as in examples
II and III except that in each case proportions are adjusted to
reduce the level of crutcher solids to 47 percent.
No gelation occurs.
EXAMPLE V
The same crutcher steps and conditions are followed as in example I
except that proportions are adjusted to reduce the level of
crutcher solids to 50 percent.
No gelation occurs.
EXAMPLE VI
Example I is repeated except that the proportions are adjusted to
obtain 65 percent solids.
No gelation occurs.
EXAMPLE VII
Example I is repeated except that the CMC and brighteners are added
just before the tripolyphosphate.
No gelation occurs.
EXAMPLE VIII
The procedure of examples II and III is followed to determine which
of the components has an effect on gelation. This is accomplished
by elimination of components. It is ascertained that the
elimination of either the nonionic detergent, the quaternary
ammonium salt or the phosphate from the crutching formula results
in no gelation.
* * * * *