Dust extraction conduit and method

Abstract

An exemplary system includes a water soluble unit dose article including a water soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet and a particulate laundry detergent. The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet is shaped to form a partially sealed interior compartment and has an air permeability of between 5 m3 / m2 / min and 200 m3 / m2 / min. The particulate laundry detergent is contained within the interior compartment and comprises a plurality of particles, wherein the plurality of particles comprises zeolite particles. The system includes sealing clips, where at least one of the sealing clips is a heated sealing clip, where the bottom seal of the interior compartment is sandwiched between the clips. The clip includes a non-stick coating in contact with the bottom seal, and a first dust extraction conduit for directing airflow away from an area around the top portion of the sealing clip or away from the bottom portion of the interior compartment.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Laundry detergent can be conveniently stored outside of the washing machine and delivered as an aqueous solution in the form of a water-soluble unit dose article. An exemplary water-soluble unit dose article for use in a washing machine comprises a dissolvable granular laundry detergent encapsulated in a water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Figures 1 to 6 Various exemplary systems are schematically shown in cross-section.

[0003] Figures 7 to 9 Various exemplary methods are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] As will be explained in more detail below, a dust extraction conduit according to the present disclosure enables the dust extraction conduit to extract unwanted leakage of particulate detergent from a water-soluble unit dose article.

[0005] Water-soluble unit dose products make granular laundry detergent be contained in the inner compartment formed by water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet.Water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet allows granular laundry detergent to be conveyed before it is used in washing machine.When using in washing machine, water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet and granular laundry detergent dissolve.It is found that, when the air permeability of water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet is too low, detergent or sheet can be difficult to dissolve or insoluble when used during washing.In addition, it is found that, when the air permeability of water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet is too high, granular laundry detergent can leak out from water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet at a high ratio.Draw from these conditions, when water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet has suitable air permeability, seldom the particles of granular laundry detergent can leak out from water-soluble unit dose products during storage, and can dissolve satisfactorily during washing simultaneously.

[0006] It has also been found that zeolite particles, while helping to obtain satisfactory laundry washing, have an abrasive effect during the manufacture of water-soluble unit dose products. The presence of such particles can damage the sealing jaws, which are used to clamp the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet to seal the internal compartment of the water-soluble unit dose product. Such zeolite abrasive particles are indeed easy to scrape off the surface of the sealing jaws. This deterioration phenomenon is particularly evident when one of the sealing jaws is a heated sealing jaw containing a non-stick coating. In fact, in order to reduce the possibility that the nonwoven sheet sticks to the heated sealing jaw and causes a poor or weak seal, the non-stick coating of the heated sealing jaw is contacted with the seal of the water-soluble unit dose product, and the grinding zeolite particles escaping from the internal compartment through the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet damage the non-stick coating. These damages can lead to the failure of the water-soluble unit dose product manufacturing process. In particular, the sealing of the water-soluble unit dose product may fail, or the nonwoven sheet may stick to the heated sealing jaw. As a result, the manufacturing process must be stopped more frequently to clean abrasive particles from the sealing jaws or to replace the non-stick coating.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a dust extraction duct that directs airflow away from the area around the top portion of a sealing clip. In particular, the dust extraction duct can extract abrasive particles. The dust extraction duct works in conjunction with the air permeability of a water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet, which has an air permeability of 5 m 3 / m 2 / min and 200m 3 / m 2 / min. It has been found that the air permeability of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet within this range allows the water-soluble unit dose product to dissolve satisfactorily during washing, avoids excessive leakage of detergent through the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet during storage of the water-soluble unit dose product before washing, and allows the zeolite particles to be extracted through the dust extraction duct. This air permeability range particularly allows airflow to be generated while permeating the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet during the manufacture of the water-soluble unit dose product, and avoids the extraction of a large proportion of granular laundry detergent through the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet. Therefore, this dust extraction duct helps to increase the expected life of the sealing clip and reduce the possibility of failure during the manufacturing process.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a system comprising a water-soluble unit dose product, a sealing clip and a dust extraction system. The water-soluble unit dose product comprises a water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet and a granular laundry detergent composition.

[0009] Water-soluble unit dose products

[0010] The water-soluble unit dose product comprises a water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet and a granular laundry detergent composition. The cellulosic nonwoven sheet and the granular laundry detergent composition are described in more detail below.

[0011] The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet is formed to form a partially sealed interior compartment wherein a granular laundry detergent composition is contained within the interior compartment.

[0012] The unit dose article may comprise a first fibrous nonwoven sheet and a second water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet sealed to one another to define an interior compartment.

[0013] The water-soluble unit dose product is configured so that the granular detergent composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit dose product is added to water, the water-soluble nonwoven fibrous sheet dissolves and releases the contents in the internal compartment into the washing liquid. The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. only distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise specified, are not specifically associated with the specific order or specific numbering of the elements in the present disclosure.

[0014] Compartment is understood to refer to the enclosed inner space in the unit dose article, and the enclosed inner space accommodates the granular detergent composition. In some examples, the first water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can be shaped to include an open compartment to which the detergent composition is added. Then the second water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can be covered above the first sheet in the orientation close to the opening of the compartment. Then the first sheet and the second sheet can be sealed together along the sealing area. In other examples, the same single sheet can be formed into a sleeve (that is, in a roughly tubular shape), and the sleeve is transversely sealed (that is, along the direction of the axis of the tubular shape (such as vertical) sealed) to form a compartment. In other words, a single water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can be shaped into an open container. Then the granular laundry detergent composition can be filled into the open container, and then the open container is sealed to close it and form an internal compartment.

[0015] The unit dose article may include more than one compartment, even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments. The compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e., one next to the other. Alternatively, a compartment may be completely enclosed in another compartment. Where the unit dose article includes at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other compartment. Each compartment may contain the same or different compositions.

[0016] Figures 1 to 5Various exemplary systems according to the present disclosure are disclosed. The exemplary system includes a water-soluble unit dose article 100, a sealing clip 110, 111, and a first dust extraction duct 116. When viewed along direction V, the water-soluble unit dose article 100 shown has a body of approximately rectangular shape, direction V is perpendicular to the direction of the bottom seal and perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve including the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet, and has a generally triangular cross-section at the bottom tip, the cross-section passes through a plane perpendicular to or orthogonal to the direction of the bottom seal, however, the body and the bottom tip can have any suitable shape, including square, triangle, circle, ellipse, hexagon or a mixture thereof. The water-soluble unit dose article 100 shown includes a water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet 102. The water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet 102 is formed to produce at least one internal compartment 104 containing a granular laundry detergent composition 106. The water-soluble unit dose article 100 shown is symmetrical along a plane R, which will be defined in more detail below. Although not shown, in some examples, the water-soluble unit dose article may be asymmetrically shaped.

[0017] A detailed description of an exemplary dust extraction duct is provided in the description below.

[0018] Water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet

[0019] The water-soluble unit dose product comprises a water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet. The water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet comprises a plurality of fibers. Preferably, the fibers are entangled fibers in the form of a fibrous structure.

[0020] The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet may be uniform or may be layered. If layered, the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet may include at least two and / or at least three and / or at least four and / or at least five layers.

[0021] Preferably, the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet has a basis weight between 15gsm and 60gsm, preferably between 20gsm and 55gsm, more preferably between 25gsm and 50gsm, most preferably between 25gsm and 45gsm. Those skilled in the art will know methods of measuring basis weight.

[0022] The basis weight of the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet can be measured on a stack of twelve available units using a top loading analytical balance with a resolution of ± 0.001 g. An airflow hood is used to protect the balance from airflow and other disturbances. Precision cut dies (measuring 8.9 cm ± 0.009 cm × 8.9 cm ± 0.009 cm) are used to prepare all samples.

[0023] Using a precision cutting die, cut the sample into squares. Combine the cut squares to form a stack where the stack is twelve samples thick. Measure the mass of the sample stack and record the result to the nearest 0.001 g.

[0024] In g / m 2 (gsm) is used as the unit. The basis weight is calculated as follows:

[0025] Basis weight = (mass of the stack) / [(area of ​​1 square in the stack) x (number of squares in the stack)]

[0026] As used herein, "fiber" refers to an elongated element having a length that exceeds its average diameter, preferably having a length to average diameter ratio of at least about 10.

[0027] Preferably, each fiber can have a length of greater than or equal to 5.08 cm, greater than or equal to 7.62 cm, greater than or equal to 10.16 cm, greater than or equal to 15.24 cm, or mixtures thereof.

[0028] Alternatively, each fiber may have a length of less than 5.08 cm, less than 3.81 cm, less than 2.54 cm, or a mixture thereof.

[0029] Each fiber may have a width of less than 100 μm, less than 75 μm, less than 50 μm, less than 25 μm, less than 10 μm, less than 5 μm, less than 1 μm, or a mixture thereof. Those skilled in the art will know standard methods and techniques for measuring width. Preferred methods include scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or optical microscopy and image analysis software.

[0030] The water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet may comprise a plurality of identical or substantially identical fibers in terms of composition. Alternatively, the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet may comprise two or more different fibers according to the present invention. Non-limiting examples of fiber differences may be: physical differences, such as differences in diameter, length, texture, shape, hardness, elasticity, etc.; chemical differences, such as one or more of crosslinking level, solubility, melting point, glass transition temperature Tg, and active agent.

[0031] Preferably, there are between 80% and 95%, preferably between 85% and 93%, more preferably between 87% and 90% fibres by weight of the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet.

[0032] The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can exhibit different regions, such as regions of different basis weights, densities, and / or thicknesses. The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can include textures on one or more surfaces thereof. The surface of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can include patterns, such as non-random repeating patterns.

[0033] The water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet can have a thickness between 0.01 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 0.05 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 20 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, most preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. Those skilled in the art will know standard methods for measuring thickness.

[0034] The fibres comprise polyvinyl alcohol polymer. Preferably, the fibres comprise between 50% and 98%, preferably between 65% and 97%, more preferably between 80% and 96%, even more preferably between 88% and 96% polyvinyl alcohol by weight of the fibre.

[0035] The polyvinyl alcohol polymer may have a weight average molecular weight between 50 kDa and 150 kDa, preferably between 75 kDa and 140 kDa, more preferably between 100 kDa and 130 kDa. As used herein, "weight average molecular weight" means using gel permeation chromatography, according to the method described in Colloids and Surfaces A. Physico Chemical & Engineering Aspects, Vol. 162, 2000, pp. 107-121. Those skilled in the art will be aware of other known techniques for determining weight average molecular weight (MW).

[0036] Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol polymer is a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average hydrolysis degree percentage of 75% to 100%, preferably 80% to 95%, most preferably 85% to 90%. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity of 1 mPas to 30 mPas, preferably 5 mPas to 25 mPas, most preferably 10 mPas to 20 mPas, wherein the viscosity is measured at 20°C as a 4% aqueous solution in demineralized water.

[0037] The fiber preferably comprises between 0.1% and 15% of a breaker by weight of the fiber, wherein the breaker is selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, an amine, an amide, a carbohydrate, a multivalent cation or a mixture thereof, preferably selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the fiber comprises between 1% and 12%, preferably between 2% and 10% of a breaker by weight of the fiber.

[0038] Without wishing to be bound by theory, polyols are synthetic materials, whereas sugar alcohols are natural materials.Sugar alcohols may include ribose, xylose, fructose, or mixtures thereof.

[0039] Preferably, the breaker is selected from glycerol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, cyclohexanedimethanol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polypropylene glycol, urea, formamide, ethanolamine, carbohydrates, dianhydrohexitol, magnesium chloride and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from polyethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

[0040] Preferably, the fibers contain between 0.1% and 15%, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10%, by weight of the fiber, of a breaker selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, cyclohexanedimethanol, hexanediol, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polypropylene glycol, urea, formamide, ethanolamine, carbohydrates, dianhydrohexitol, magnesium chloride and mixtures thereof, preferably, the fibers contain between 0.1% and 15%, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10%, by weight of the fiber, of a breaker selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

[0041] Preferably, the fibers comprise between 0.1% and 15%, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10%, by weight of the fibers, of a breaker, and wherein the fibers comprise between 0.1% and 15%, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10%, by weight of the fibers, of a breaker selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, cyclohexanedimethanol, hexanediol, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polypropylene glycol, urea, formamide, ethanolamine, carbohydrates, dianhydrohexitols, magnesium chloride and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fibers comprise between 0.1% and 15%, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10%, by weight of the fibers, of a breaker, and wherein the fibers comprise between 0.1% and 15%, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10%, by weight of the fibers, of a breaker selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

[0042] Preferably, the polyethylene glycol has a weight average molecular weight between 100 and 800, preferably between 200 and 750, more preferably between 400 and 700, even more preferably between 500 and 650. As used herein, "weight average molecular weight" means using gel permeation chromatography, according to the method presented in Colloids and Surfaces A. Physico Chemical & Engineering Aspects, Vol. 162, 2000, pp. 107-121. Those skilled in the art will be aware of other known techniques for determining weight average molecular weight (MW).

[0043] The fibrous nonwoven sheet may contain a second plurality of particles. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the fibrous nonwoven sheet contains gaps or spaces between the fibers. When present, there is a second plurality of particles, which preferably reside in the gaps / spaces between the fibers. Preferably, there is a second plurality of particles between 0.25% and 10%, preferably between 0.5% and 5%, more preferably between 1% and 3%, by weight of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet. Those skilled in the art will know the method for determining the weight percentage of the second plurality of particles. The preferred method involves the following steps; carefully separate the two sides of the fibrous nonwoven sheet from the unit dose article filled with detergent. Weigh each side separately. Record the initial weight (full of particles). The fabric filled with particles is placed on a sieve, and a dry air compression line is blown through the fibrous nonwoven sheet to remove all retained particles. Remeasure the weight of the fibrous nonwoven material to obtain the difference. The weight difference is recorded as ((initial weight-final weight) / initial weight)×100 (recorded as weight percentage).

[0044] Preferably, the second plurality of particles in the nonwoven fabric comprises zeolite, an inorganic salt, a surfactant granule, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the inorganic salt comprises sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the surfactant granule may comprise spray-dried surfactant granules, agglomerated surfactant granules, or a mixture thereof.

[0045] Preferably, the second plurality of particles within the nonwoven has an average particle size distributed between 1 micron and 150 microns, preferably between 5 microns and 125 microns, more preferably between 10 microns and 100 microns.

[0046] Preferably, the fibres comprise less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 2% water by weight of the fibre.

[0047] Preferably, the fibers do not contain any surfactant. Without wishing to be bound by theory, surfactant is present in the granular laundry detergent composition and therefore any surfactant present in the fibers themselves does not contribute to the cleaning performance of the unit dose article.

[0048] The fibers can be made by any suitable method. Fibers can be spun from the filament-forming composition using techniques known to those skilled in the art. Suitable spinning process operations may include meltblowing, spunbonding, electrospinning, rotary spinning, or a mixture thereof.

[0049] Without wishing to be bound by theory, nonwoven fibrous sheets exhibit a different dissolution profile than cast sheets.

[0050] The following is an exemplary test method for measuring the dissolution of a fibrous nonwoven sheet. The following apparatus may be used in the exemplary dissolution method:

[0051] 2000mL glass beaker (approximately 7.5 inches high by 5.5 inches in diameter)

[0052] Magnetic stirrer plate (Labline, Melrose Park, IL, Model 1250 or equivalent)

[0053] Magnetic stir bar (2 inches long by 3 / 8 inch diameter, Teflon coated)

[0054] Thermometer (1 to 100°C + / -1°C)

[0055] 1.25" Binder Clip

[0056] Alligator clip (about one inch long)

[0057] Depth adjustment rod and holder with base

[0058] Timer (accurate to at least 0.1 second)

[0059] Deionized water (balanced at 23℃±1℃)

[0060] Cutting die - stainless steel cutting die with a size of 3.8cm x 3.2cm

[0061] Polaroid 35mm slide frame (commercially available from Polaroid Corporation or equivalent) 35mm slide frame holder (or equivalent)

[0062] Prior to testing, the fibrous nonwoven sheet samples were equilibrated in a constant temperature and humidity environment of 23°C ± 1°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for at least 24 hours. The dissolution test was also conducted under this temperature and relative humidity condition.

[0063] The basis weight of the sample material is measured using known techniques.

[0064] Three dissolution test specimens were cut from the fibrous nonwoven sheet sample to be tested using a cutting die (3.8 cm x 3.2 cm) to fit within a 35 mm slide frame having an open area dimension of 24 x 36 mm.

[0065] Each sample is locked into an individual 35mm slide frame.

[0066] Fill a 2000 mL glass beaker with 1600 ± 5 mL of deionized water and place on top of a magnetic stirrer plate. Place a magnetic stir bar at the bottom of the beaker. Adjust the stirring speed so that a stable vortex forms in the center of the beaker with the bottom of the vortex at the 1200 mL mark.

[0067] A trial run may be required to ensure that the depth adjustment rod is properly set. The 35mm slide frame is secured in the alligator clip of the 35mm slide frame holder so that the long end of the slide frame is parallel to the water surface. The alligator clip should be positioned in the middle of the long end of the slide. The alligator clip is welded to the end of the depth adjustment rod. The depth adjustment rod is set in such a way that when the long tail clip is lowered into the water, the entire fibrous nonwoven sheet sample is completely submerged in the water at the center of the beaker, the top of the fibrous nonwoven sheet sample is at the bottom of the vortex, and the bottom of the slide frame / slide frame holder is not in direct contact with the stirring rod. The depth adjustment rod and alligator clip should be set so that the position of the surface of the porous membrane wall material sample is perpendicular to the flow of water.

[0068] In one motion, the fixed slide and fixture are dropped into the water and the timer is started. The fibrous nonwoven sheet sample is dropped so that the sample is centered in the beaker. When all visible fibrous nonwoven sheet sample is released from the slide frame, the slide frame is raised out of the water while continuing to monitor the solution for undissolved sample fragments. Dissolution occurs when all sample fragments are no longer visible. This is recorded as the dissolution time.

[0069] Three replicates were run for each sample and the average dissolution time was recorded to within + / - 0.1 seconds. The average dissolution time is reported in seconds.

[0070] The average dissolution times were normalized for basis weight by dividing each by the sample basis weight as determined by the known basis weight method. The basis weight normalized average dissolution times are reported in seconds / gsm sample (s / (g / m2)).

[0071] Non-limiting examples of suitable methods for making fibers include:

[0072] a. providing a filament-forming composition such as from a tank; and

[0073] b. spinning the filament-forming composition into one or more fibers, such as through a spinning die; and

[0074] c. Collect the fibers onto a collection device such as a patterned belt.

[0075] The filament-forming composition may be conveyed between the tank and the spinning die via suitable piping with or without a pump. The spinning die may include a plurality of fiber-forming holes comprising melt capillaries surrounded by concentric attenuating fluid holes through which a fluid, such as air, passes to assist in attenuating the filament-forming composition into fibers as it leaves the fiber-forming holes.

[0076] The filaments can be formed into a composition and spun into one or more fibers by any suitable spinning method such as melt-blowing, spunbonding, electrostatic spinning and / or rotary spinning. The filaments can be formed into a composition and spun into a plurality of fibers by melt-blowing. For example, the filaments can be formed into a composition and pumped from a tank to a melt-blowing spinneret. When one or more fibers in the spinneret are formed into holes, the filaments are formed into a composition and decayed with air to form one or more fibers. The fibers can then be dried to remove any residual solvent such as water for spinning.

[0077] The fibers may be collected on a belt, such as a patterned belt, to form a fibrous nonwoven sheet comprising the fibers.

[0078] Preferably, the fibrous nonwoven sheet is made by mechanical, thermal, chemical or solvent means by fiber bonding or interlocking. When the fibrous nonwoven sheet is made of staple fibers, their generation includes forming a uniform web by a wet-laid web process or combing, and then the nonwoven material is bonded in a hot manner or by other means such as needle punching, spunlace, etc. Spunlaid fibrous nonwoven materials are prepared in a continuous method of fiber spinning, and then directly dispersed into the web by a deflector or air stream. Melt-blown fibrous nonwoven materials are one-step processes, in which high-speed air blows molten thermoplastic resin from an extruder die to a conveyor or a conveying screen to form a fine fiber-shaped and self-bonded web.

[0079] Sealing clip

[0080] Figures 1 to 5Sealing jaws 110 and 111 are also disclosed. Sealing jaws should be understood as elongated mechanical elements, such as sealing bars, which are made of metal, in some examples aluminum, for example, which can be approached to each other to clamp a material between such jaws to seal such material. In order to form a seal, at least one of the sealing jaws is a heated sealing jaw. In some examples, the heated sealing jaws may include a heat source, such as one or more resistors, or may be in contact with a heat source. In some examples, a single heated sealing jaw is provided, such a single heated jaw transferring heat to the material clamped or captured between the jaws. In some examples, the sealing jaws include a pair of heated sealing jaws facing each other, thereby increasing and homogenizing heat transfer compared to using a single heated jaw connected to a jaw that will not be heated.

[0081] In some examples, the heated sealing jaws are heated by hot wire pulse technology, in which a wire such as a nickel-chromium wire is rapidly heated by an electric current. Other techniques can be used to heat the sealing jaws. In some examples, such wires can be encapsulated in a non-stick coating, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyimides such as poly (4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide). In some examples, a non-stick coating (e.g., a PTFE tape) is placed on a hot wire or heat sealing tape so that the non-stick coating is located between the hot wire or heat sealing tape and the non-woven sheet to reduce the possibility that such non-woven sheet may stick to a heat source and cause a poor or weaker seal.

[0082] In some examples, the non-stick coating comprises a polymeric material.

[0083] In some examples, the non-stick coating comprises a non-polymer material, such as a ceramic. Ceramics may have a longer expected service life than non-polymer materials.

[0084] In some examples, a sealing clip according to the present disclosure can be an internal sealing clip clamped between external retaining clips (e.g., unheated external retaining clips), wherein a first external retaining clip, an internal sealing clip, and a second external retaining clip follow each other in this order in the direction of movement of the nonwoven sheet, wherein the external retaining clips can hold the nonwoven sheet in place when forming a seal.

[0085] In some examples, the clip includes a silicon layer, such as a silicon layer having a hardness between 25 and 35 Shore A or a tensile strength between 550 and 770 MPa. High Shore values ​​or high tensile strength provide high local sealing pressures, which can, for example, help with precise definition or cutting of the seal. However, high Shore values ​​may cause rapid degradation of the non-stick coating. In some examples, the silicon layer is placed below the wire of the hot wire pulse component (i.e., further away from the seal than the hot wire pulse component). In some examples, the silicon layer is along the entire length of the sealing clip or sealing rod. In some examples, the width of the silicon layer is substantially equal to the width of the sealing clip.

[0086] In some examples, a non-stick strip such as PTFE tape (commercially available as Teflon tape, for example) is placed between the silicone layer acting as a gasket and the wire of the hot wire pulse component to reduce friction and allow the wire to move freely during thermal expansion or contraction.

[0087] In some examples, a non-stick or PTFE strip is also placed beneath the silicon layer (i.e., farther away from the seal than it) and on top of the body of the clip (e.g., aluminum body) to act as an insulating layer, thereby preventing heat from transferring to the silicon and shortening its life.

[0088] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the exemplary system of , the sealing jaws 110 and 111 are such that the bottom seal 108 of the sealed inner compartment 104 is clamped between the jaws 110, 111, wherein the sealing jaws extend along the longitudinal direction (direction Z). This clamping forms the bottom seal 108 from the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 102.

[0089] like Figure 1 As shown in the exemplary system of , the first of the clips, i.e., clip 110, includes a flat portion 112 along the longitudinal direction (direction Z) of the bottom seal 108, and the flat portion has a flat portion width along a transverse direction (direction Y, corresponding to the displacement direction D of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (direction Z) of the seal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sealing clip. In other words, the flat portion width shown should be understood as the flat portion width along the displacement direction D of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet. As Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , the flat portion 112 of the clip 110 extends toward the opposing clip 111 .

[0090] In some examples, where the clip includes a flat portion, the precise sizing of the first clip relative to the thickness of the nonwoven sheet allows a relatively strong seal to be obtained by squeezing the nonwoven sheet by the flat portion while limiting the width of the seal along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal, thereby improving the weakening of the seal in the context of a wash cycle.

[0091] In some examples, such as Figure 3A As shown, the flat portion 112 of the clip 111 protrudes toward the opposing clip 110 .

[0092] The sealing clip should be understood to not necessarily include a flat portion. In some other examples, the sealing clip includes an uneven portion (a protrusion or a raised portion) and a base. Figure 2 As shown in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , the second of the clips, i.e., clip 111, includes a protrusion 202 along the longitudinal direction (direction Z) of the closure, the protrusion 202 having a base 206, which extends toward the opposite clip 110. Figure 2 As shown in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , the protrusion 202 has an arcuate outer surface. Such a base should be understood as the surface at the junction between the protrusion and the main body of the clip, and the protrusion extends from the main body of the clip. The surface of the base is generally parallel to a plane parallel to the Y direction and the Z direction. The protrusion or projection should be understood as a projection from the main body of the clip toward the bottom seal of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet clamped between the sealing clips.

[0093] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , the sealing jaws 110 , 111 define a top portion 113 included in a plane M, which is parallel to both the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the seal and the direction X. In other words, in Figures 1 to 5 In the exemplary system of , plane M is perpendicular to the displacement direction D (or direction Y).

[0094] In some examples, the clips 110, 111 have different widths along Y, different depths along X, and different longitudinal lengths along Z (direction X is perpendicular to both directions Y and Z). In some examples, the first of the clips 110 is a heated clip. In other examples, both clips 110 and 111 are heated. In some examples, the first clip 110 is not so heated, while clip 111 is heated.

[0095] Figure 6 Focus on an exemplary sealing area. Figure 6 Exemplary closure jaws 110 , 111 are shown, with the jaw 111 including a flat portion 606 along the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the closure 108 , the flat portion 606 having a width 608 along the Y direction. Figure 6 The flat portion shown is to be understood to be the same as the flat portion described above. Figure 6 Also shown is an exemplary non-stick coating 610 disposed along the planar portion 606 where the jaws 111 are heated, the planar portion having a width 614 that is less than the width 608 of the planar portion 606 . Figure 6 The illustrated arrangement of the non-stick coating 610 allows the non-stick coating to be removed from the heated clip 111 .

[0096] exist Figure 6 In the exemplary sealing area of ​​, the bottom seal 108 is formed from two portions of the same sheet 102. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the sheets have the same thickness, but in some examples, different thicknesses may be used, in which case the average thickness should be used to select the relative dimensions of the sheet thickness and the flat portion width. As already explained, such a specific range of flat portion width and sheet thickness allows a reliable seal to be obtained for a water-soluble unit dose article while maintaining satisfactory dissolution of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet during washing.

[0097] In some examples, the size of the flat portion width is greater than 4.5 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 102 and less than 15 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet. In some examples, the size of the flat portion width is greater than 6 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 102 and less than 10 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet. In some examples, the size of the flat portion width is greater than 7 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2 and less than 8 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet.

[0098] In some examples, the flat portion width has a dimension greater than 0.5 mm and less than 5 mm. In some examples, the flat portion width has a dimension greater than 0.75 mm and less than 3 mm. In some examples, the flat portion width has a dimension greater than 1 mm and less than 2 mm.

[0099] In some examples, the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet has a thickness less than 0.4 mm and greater than 0.1 mm.

[0100] In some examples, the flat portion width has a dimension that is smaller than the width of the body of the first clip along the same direction. In other examples, the flat portion width has a dimension that corresponds to or is equal to the width of the body of the first clip along the same direction. In some other examples not shown here, the flat portion width may have a dimension that is larger than the width of the body of the first clip along the same direction.

[0101] In some examples, the body of one of the clips may include a plurality of sub-clips.

[0102] In some examples, the dimension of the second flat portion along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal is greater than half of the flat portion width dimension and less than 5 times the flat portion width dimension. In some examples, the dimension of the second flat portion along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal is greater than the flat portion width dimension and less than 5 times the flat portion width dimension. In some examples, the dimension of the second flat portion along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal is greater than twice the flat portion width dimension and less than 5 times the flat portion width dimension.

[0103] In some examples, the length of the sealing jaw along the longitudinal direction of the seal is at least 2.5% longer than the length of the seal along the longitudinal direction of the seal. Such a length difference avoids or reduces the effect of heating discontinuities at the ends of the jaws on the seal. Such a length difference has been found to increase the reliability of the seal. In some examples, the length of the sealing jaw along the longitudinal direction of the seal is at least 5% longer than the length of the seal along the longitudinal direction of the seal. In some examples, the length of the sealing jaw along the longitudinal direction of the seal is at least 10% longer than the length of the seal along the longitudinal direction of the seal.

[0104] The clip features of the present disclosure should be understood to be not limited to either clip 110 or clip 111 , but are applicable to both clips.

[0105] In some examples, the weight of the granular laundry detergent contained in the inner compartment is greater than 5 grams and less than 200 grams. In some examples, the weight of the granular laundry detergent contained in the inner compartment is greater than 20 grams and less than 100 grams. It is found that weight has an effect on the formation of the seal, and in some examples, it has an effect on the cutting of the seal due to the tension caused by weight on the sealing area clamped between the clips. It is found that such tension also depends on the length of the seal. In fact, in some examples, the seal has a length greater than 4 cm and less than 11 cm along the longitudinal direction of the seal.

[0106] In some examples, in order to improve filling efficiency and reduce the relative proportion of filling material in water-soluble unit dose articles compared to granular detergent material, exemplary methods include filling the inner compartment with granular detergent to reduce the head space in the sealed and filled inner compartment to less than 20% of the total volume of the inner compartment. Exemplary methods include filling the inner compartment with granular detergent to reduce the head space in the sealed and filled inner compartment to less than 15% of the total volume of the inner compartment. Exemplary methods include filling the inner compartment with granular detergent to reduce the head space in the sealed and filled inner compartment to less than 10% of the total volume of the inner compartment. Exemplary methods include filling the inner compartment with granular detergent to reduce the head space in the sealed and filled inner compartment to less than 5% of the total volume of the inner compartment. Exemplary methods include filling the inner compartment with granular detergent to reduce the head space in the sealed and filled inner compartment to less than 2% of the total volume of the inner compartment. It should be understood that the reduction in head space means that the granular detergent filling level will be closer to the seal. Such headspace is understood to be the proportion of the interior volume of the self-supporting sealed water-soluble unit dose article that is substantially free of particulate detergent. Dust extraction according to the examples described herein enables such reduced headspace levels to be achieved while maintaining adequate manufacturing reliability.

[0107] In some examples, the flat portion includes a removable layer in contact with the top seal, the removable layer having a surface energy of less than 19×10-5N per centimeter. In some examples, the flat portion itself can be removable. An example of a material with a surface energy of less than 19×10-5N per centimeter is PTFE as described above. This introduces non-stick capabilities and allows replacement in the event of thermal degradation of the layer with a surface energy of less than 19×10-5N per centimeter. In some examples, the removable layer with a surface energy of less than 19×10-5N per centimeter is also in direct contact with the heat source of the corresponding clip to avoid sticking to the heat source (such as a hot wire or a hot belt).

[0108] Granular laundry detergent compositions

[0109] The water-soluble unit dose products include granular laundry detergents. The granular laundry detergent is understood to be a laundry detergent comprising a plurality of particles.

[0110] Typically, a granular laundry detergent composition is a fully formulated laundry detergent composition rather than a portion thereof such as a spray-dried, extruded or agglomerated granule which forms only part of the laundry detergent composition. Typically, the granular detergent composition comprises a plurality of chemically distinct particles, such as spray-dried base detergent particles and / or agglomerated base detergent particles and / or extruded base detergent particles; one or more, typically two or more, or five or more, or even ten or more particles are combined, the particles being selected from: surfactant particles, including surfactant agglomerates, surfactant extrudates, surfactant needles, surfactant faces, surfactant flakes; phosphate particles; zeolite particles; silicate particles, especially sodium silicate particles; carbonate particles, especially sodium carbonate particles; polymer particles, such as carboxylate polymer particles, cellulose polymer particles, starch particles, polyester particles, polyamine particles, terephthalic acid polymer particles, polyethylene glycol particles; aesthetic particles, such as colored stripes, needles, lamellar particles and ring particles; enzyme particles, such as protease particles, amylase particles, lipase particles, cellulase particles, mannanase particles, pectate lyase particles, xyloglucanase particles, bleaching enzyme particles and enzymes thereof. granules of any of the enzymes of the present invention, preferably the enzyme granules comprise sodium sulfate; bleaching agent granules, such as percarbonate granules, especially coated percarbonate granules, such as percarbonate coated with carbonate, sulfate, silicate, borosilicate, or any combination thereof, perborate granules, bleach activator granules such as tetraacetylethylenediamine granules and / or alkyloxybenzenesulfonate granules, bleach catalyst granules such as transition metal catalyst granules, and / or isoquinolinium bleach catalyst granules, preformed peracid granules, especially coated preformed peracid granules Acid particles; filler particles, such as sulfate particles and chloride particles; clay particles, such as montmorillonite particles and clay and silicone particles; flocculant particles, such as polyethylene oxide particles; wax particles, such as wax agglomerates; silicone particles, brightener particles; dye transfer inhibitor particles; dye fixative particles; perfume particles, such as perfume microcapsules and starch-encapsulated perfume accord particles, and pro-perfume particles, such as Schiff base reaction product particles; hueing dye particles; chelant particles, such as chelant agglomerates; and any combination thereof.

[0111] The spices contained in the spices particles include spices raw materials. The spices raw materials may include one or more, preferably two or more spices raw materials. As used herein, the term "spice raw material" (or "PRM") refers to a compound having a molecular weight of at least about 100 g / mol, and it can be used alone or with other spices raw materials to impart odor, aroma, flavor or fragrance. Typical PRMs include alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, ethers, nitrites and olefins, such as terpenes.

[0112] PRMs can be characterized by their boiling point (BP) measured at atmospheric pressure (760 mm Hg), and their octanol / water partition coefficient (P), which can be described in terms of logP, as determined according to the test method described below. Based on these characteristics, PRMs can be classified as Quadrant I, Quadrant II, Quadrant III, or Quadrant IV fragrances, as described in detail below. A fragrance having multiple PRMs from different quadrants may be desirable, for example, to provide fragrance benefits at different contact points during normal use.

[0113] Perfume raw materials with a boiling point BP below about 250°C and a logP of less than about 3 are referred to as Quadrant I perfume raw materials. Quadrant I perfume raw materials are preferably limited to less than 30% of the perfume composition. Perfume raw materials with a BP above about 250°C and a logP greater than about 3 are referred to as Quadrant IV perfume raw materials, perfume raw materials with a BP above about 250°C and a logP less than about 3 are referred to as Quadrant II perfume raw materials, and perfume raw materials with a BP below about 250°C and a logP greater than about 3 are referred to as Quadrant III perfume raw materials.

[0114] Preferably, the fragrance comprises a mixture of at least 3, or even at least 5, or at least 7 fragrance raw materials. The fragrance of the capsule may comprise at least 10, or at least 15 fragrance raw materials. A mixture of fragrance raw materials may, for example, provide more complex and desirable aesthetics at multiple contact points, and / or better fragrance performance or persistence. However, it may be desirable to limit the number of fragrance raw materials in a fragrance to reduce or limit formulation complexity and / or cost.

[0115] The fragrance may include at least one fragrance raw material of natural origin. Such components may be desirable for sustainability / environmental reasons. The fragrance raw materials of natural origin may include natural extracts or essences, which may include a mixture of PRMs. Such natural extracts or essential oils may include orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk, patchouli, balsam essence, sandalwood oil, pine oil, cedar, etc.

[0116] In addition to the perfume raw materials, the perfume may also include a pro-perfume, which may help improve the persistence of the freshness benefit. The pro-perfume may include a non-volatile material that is released or converted into a perfume material due to, for example, simple hydrolysis, or may be a pro-perfume triggered by a pH change (e.g., triggered by a pH drop), or may be an enzyme-released pro-perfume, or a light-triggered pro-perfume. Depending on the selected pro-perfume, the pro-perfume may exhibit different release rates.

[0117] Suitable fragrances include fragrance materials selected from the following groups: (a) fragrance materials having a ClogP of less than 3.0 and a boiling point below 250°C (Quadrant 1 fragrance materials); (b) fragrance materials having a ClogP of less than 3.0 and a boiling point of 250°C or higher (Quadrant 2 fragrance materials); (c) fragrance materials having a ClogP of 3.0 or greater and a boiling point of less than 250°C (Quadrant 3 fragrance materials); (d) fragrance materials having a ClogP of 3.0 or greater and a boiling point of 250°C or higher (Quadrant 4 fragrance materials); and (e) mixtures thereof.

[0118] For perfume, it is preferably in the form of perfume delivery technology. Such delivery technology also stabilizes and enhances the release of deposition and perfume materials from washed fabrics. Such perfume delivery technology can also be used to further increase the persistence of perfume released from washed fabrics. Suitable perfume delivery technology includes: perfume microcapsules, former perfumes, polymer-assisted delivery, molecule-assisted delivery, fiber-assisted delivery, amine-assisted delivery, cyclodextrin, starch-encapsulated accords, zeolites and other inorganic carriers and any mixture thereof. Suitable perfume microcapsules are described in WO2009 / 101593.

[0119] The use of starch encapsulated blends (SEA) technology allows the properties of spices to be changed, for example, by converting liquid spices into solids by adding ingredients such as starch. The beneficial effects include improving the retention of spices during product storage, especially under non-aqueous conditions. After contact with water, the richness of the spices can be triggered. Beneficial effects at precise other times can also be obtained because the starch allows product formulators to select PRMs or PRM concentrations that cannot usually be used without the presence of SEA. Another technical example includes the use of other organic and inorganic materials such as silicon dioxide to convert spices from liquids into solids. Suitable SEAs and methods of making them can be found in USPA 2005 / 0003980A1 and USP 6,458,754 B1.

[0120] In one aspect, SEA can be made by preparing a mixture comprising starch, water, acid and spices, the acid being incorporated into the mixture in an amount sufficient to reduce the pH of the starch-water mixture by at least 0.25 units; and atomizing and drying the mixture to form encapsulated spices. In the first step of the spice encapsulation method, an aqueous mixture comprising starch, water, spices and acids is prepared. These ingredients can be added in any order, but usually the starch-water mixture is prepared first, followed by the addition of acids and spices in sequence or together. When they are added in sequence, the acid can be added before the ingredients for encapsulation. Alternatively, the acid is added after the ingredients for encapsulation. The concentration of starch in the aqueous mixture can be as low as 5% or 10% by weight to as high as 60% by weight or even 75% by weight. Typically, the concentration of starch in the mixture is 20% to 50% by weight, more typically about 25% to 40% by weight in the aqueous mixture.

[0121] Suitable starch can be made from the following materials: native starch, pregelatinized starch, modified starch derived from tubers, leguminous plants, cereals and cereals, such as corn starch, wheat starch, rice starch, waxy corn starch, oat starch, cassava modified starch, waxy barley starch, waxy rice starch, glutinous rice starch, amylopectin, potato starch, cassava starch and their mixtures. Modified starch can be particularly suitable for the present invention, and these modified starches include hydrolyzed starch, acid-decomposed starch, starch with hydrophobic groups such as starch esters of long-chain hydrocarbons (C5 or higher), starch acetate, octenyl succinate starch esters and their mixtures. In one aspect, starch esters are used, such as octenyl succinate starch esters.

[0122] The term "hydrolyzed starch" refers to an oligosaccharide-type material generally obtained by acid hydrolysis and / or enzymatic hydrolysis of starch, preferably corn starch. It may be preferred to include starch esters in the starch-water mixture. Particularly preferred are modified starches comprising starch derivatives containing hydrophobic groups or both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups, which have been degraded by at least one enzyme capable of cleaving 1,4 bonds of starch molecules from the non-reducing ends to produce short-chain sugars, thereby providing high antioxidant properties while retaining a substantially high molecular weight portion of the starch matrix. The aqueous starch mixture may also contain a plasticizer for the starch. Suitable examples include monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and maltodextrins, such as glucose, sucrose, sorbitol, gum arabic, guar gum and maltodextrin.

[0123] The acid used in the method of the present invention can be any acid. Examples include sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, aminosulfonic acid and phosphonic acid. In one aspect, carboxylic acid organic acids are used. On the other hand, organic acids containing more than one carboxylic acid group are used. Examples of suitable organic acids include citric acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, sebacic acid, adipic acid, itaconic acid, acetic acid and ascorbic acid, etc. In one aspect, saturated acids such as citric acid are used. Suitable spices for encapsulation include HIA spices, including spices having a boiling point of 275°C or lower determined at about 760 mmHg normal standard pressure, an octanol / water partition coefficient P of about 2000 or higher, and an odor detection threshold of less than or equal to 50 parts per billion (ppb). In one aspect, the spices may have a logP of 2 or higher. Suitable fragrances may be selected from 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal, 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-propanal, 3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal, 3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanal, and 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptanal, α-damascone, δ-damascone, isodamascone, β-damascenone, 6,7-dihydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4(5H)-indanone, methyl-7,3-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodioxycyclopropan-3-one, 2-[2-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)propyl]cyclopentan-2-one, 2-sec-butylcyclohexanone, α-dihydroionone, linalool, ethyllinalool, tetrahydrolinalool and dihydromyrcenol.

[0124] Suitable ingredients are available from Givaudan (Olive Hill, NJ, USA), International Flavors & Fragrances Corp. (South Brunswick, NJ, USA), or Quest (Naarden, The Netherlands).

[0125] After forming an aqueous mixture comprising starch, water, flavor and acid, the mixture is mixed under high shear to form an emulsion or dispersion of the ingredients for encapsulation in the aqueous starch solution.

[0126] Any suitable technique can then be used in the final stage of processing, wherein the aqueous mixture comprising acid and spices is atomized and dried. Suitable techniques include, but are not limited to, techniques known in the art, including spray drying, extrusion, spray cooling / crystallization methods, fluidized bed coating, and use of phase transfer catalysts to promote interfacial polymerization. Spray efficiency can be improved by methods known in the art, such as by using a high drying tower, applying a little oil on the chamber wall, or using pre-treated air from which moisture has been substantially removed. The particle size range of SEA is between 1 micron and 20 microns.

[0127] Methods for determining logP :

[0128] The logarithm of the octanol / water partition coefficient (logP) was calculated for each PRM in the tested fragrance mixture. The logP of the individual PRMs was calculated using the Consensus logP Computational Model, version 14.02 (Linux), purchased from Advanced Chemistry Development Inc. (ACD / Labs) (Toronto, Canada) to provide dimensionless logP values. The Consensus logP Computational Model from ACD / Labs is part of the ACD / Labs model suite.

[0129] In some examples, the flavor particles have a median size range of less than 100 microns and greater than 5 microns. In some examples, the flavor particles have a median size range of less than 60 microns and greater than 10 microns. In some examples, the flavor particles have a median size range of less than 50 microns and greater than 15 microns. The median particle size should be understood as the volume weighted median particle size. The volume weighted average diameter is measured according to the method provided in the "Test Methods" section below.

[0130] Particle size determination of spices :

[0131] Depending on the relative size of the particles, one of two methods is used: image analysis if the population has an approximate volume weighted median particle size of 10 μm or greater, or microscopy if the population has an approximate volume weighted median particle size of less than 10 μm. These methods are described in more detail below.

[0132] A. Image Analysis

[0133] The volume weighted median particle size is calculated from images taken from a sample flowing through a variable size flow cell. The instrument is an image analysis device specifically designed for liquid applications (Occhio FC200S). The sample is pumped through the flow cell at a very low speed via a syringe pump and images are taken at set times while the sample passes through the flow cell. The speed matches the frame rate of the camera and depends on the behavior of the sample and the particles it contains. Flow cells of sizes 250 and 500 μm can be used. Callisto version 2013.13 software is used to read out the pixels and calculate size and shape parameters. The size descriptor used is the ISO area diameter.

[0134] The illumination is a red LED light source, and the adjustment of the illumination is done manually until appropriate grayscale detection can be performed via the grayscale threshold of the particles. The hardware magnification depends on the size of the particles, for example, 6× or 9×.

[0135] B. Microscopy

[0136] The volume weighted median particle size of the particles was calculated from the values ​​obtained by microscopic observation and measurement of approximately 900 randomly sampled particles. The microscope used was a Leica DM6000B. The magnification of the microscope was set to 200×. The outputs obtained after microscopic analysis were: (1) a list of detected diameters; and (2) counts for each diameter size detected.

[0137] Therefore, the volume (V) of each particle is calculated as follows:

[0138] V=4 / 3πr 3

[0139] where r is the radius of each detected particle. Finally, assuming that each particle is a sphere, the volume-weighted median particle size is calculated (e.g., via a spreadsheet such as in Microsoft Excel TM those created in ).

[0140] Suitable granular laundry detergent compositions may comprise detergent ingredients selected from the group consisting of detersive surfactants such as anionic detersive surfactants, nonionic detersive surfactants, cationic detersive surfactants, zwitterionic detersive surfactants and amphoteric detersive surfactants; polymers such as carboxylate polymers, soil release polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, cellulosic polymers and care polymers; bleaches such as hydrogen peroxide sources, bleach activators, bleach catalysts and preformed peracids; photobleaches such as sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine and / or sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine; enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases; zeolite builders; phosphate builders; auxiliary builders such as citric acid and citrates; carbonates such as sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; sulfates such as sodium sulfate; silicates such as sodium silicate; chloride salts such as sodium chloride; brighteners; chelating agents; hueing agents; dye transfer inhibitors; dye fixatives; perfumes; silicones; fabric softeners such as clays; flocculants such as polyethylene oxides; suds suppressors; and any combination thereof.

[0141] Suitable granular laundry detergent compositions may have a low buffering capacity. Such laundry detergent compositions typically have a reserve alkalinity to pH 9.5 of less than 5.0 g NaOH / 100 g. These low buffered laundry detergent compositions typically contain low levels of carbonates.

[0142] Suitable tinting agents include small molecule dyes, typically belonging to the Color Index (CI) classification of acid, direct, basic, reactive (including their hydrolyzed forms) or solvent or disperse dyes, such as dyes classified as blue, violet, red, green or black, and providing the desired hue, either alone or in combination. Preferred such tinting agents include acid violet 50, direct violet 9, 66 and 99, solvent violet 13, and any combination thereof.

[0143] Many hueing agents that may be suitable for use in the present invention are known and described in the art, such as the hueing agents described in WO2014 / 089386.

[0144] Suitable hueing agents include phthalocyanine and azo dye conjugates such as described in WO2009 / 069077.

[0145] Suitable toners can be alkoxylated. Such alkoxylated compounds can be prepared by organic synthesis, which can produce a mixture of molecules with different degrees of alkoxylation. Such mixtures can be used directly to provide toners, or can undergo purification steps to increase the ratio of the target molecule. Suitable toners include alkoxylated disazo dyes, such as those described in WO2012 / 054835, and / or alkoxylated thiophene azo dyes, such as those described in WO2008 / 087497 and WO2012 / 166768.

[0146] The toner may have the following structure:

[0147]

[0148] in:

[0149] R1 and R2 are independently H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkyleneoxy, alkyl-terminated alkyleneoxy, polyalkyleneoxy, alkyl-terminated polyalkyleneoxy, or amide;

[0150] W is a substituted amino moiety;

[0151] U is hydrogen, an amino group, or an amino group substituted by an acyl group;

[0152] Y is hydrogen or a sulfonic acid moiety; and

[0153] Z is a sulfonic acid moiety or an amino group substituted with a phenyl group.

[0154] Toner can be incorporated in the detergent composition as a part for reaction mixture, and this reaction mixture is the result of organic synthesis dye molecules by one or more optional purification steps.This type of reaction mixture generally comprises dye molecules themselves, and can also comprise the by product of unreacted starting material and / or organic synthesis pathway in addition.Suitable toner can be incorporated in the hueing dye particles, such as described in WO 2009 / 069077.

[0155] Granular laundry detergents may comprise from 1 wt % to 50 wt % of a surfactant system. Suitable detersive surfactants include anionic detersive surfactants, nonionic detersive surfactants, cationic detersive surfactants, zwitterionic detersive surfactants and amphoteric detersive surfactants. Suitable detersive surfactants may be linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, and may be derived from petrochemical materials or biomaterials.

[0156] Suitable anionic detersive surfactants include sulfonate detersive surfactants and sulfate detersive surfactants.

[0157] Suitable sulfonate detersive surfactants include methyl sulfonate, alpha olefin sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, especially alkyl benzene sulfonates, preferably C 10-13 Alkylbenzene sulfonates. Suitable alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) are available, preferably by sulfonating commercially available linear alkylbenzenes (LABs); suitable LABs include lower 2-phenyl LABs, other suitable LABs include higher 2-phenyl LABs, such as those sold under the trade name Those supplied by Sasol.

[0158] Suitable sulfate detersive surfactants include alkyl sulfates, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl sulfates, or mainly C 12 Alkyl sulfate.

[0159] Preferred sulfate detersive surfactants are alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, preferably alkyl ethoxylated sulfates, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl alkoxylated sulfate, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates, preferably alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, have an average degree of alkoxylation of 0.5 to 20, preferably 0.5 to 10, preferably alkyl alkoxylated sulfates are C 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 0.5 to 10, preferably from 0.5 to 5, more preferably from 0.5 to 3, and most preferably from 0.5 to 1.5.

[0160] The alkyl sulfates, alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, and alkyl benzene sulfonates may be linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, and may be derived from petrochemical or biomaterials.

[0161] Other suitable anionic detersive surfactants include the alkyl ether carboxylates.

[0162] Suitable anionic detersive surfactants may be in the form of salts, suitable counterions include sodium, calcium, magnesium, amino alcohols and any combination thereof. The preferred counterion is sodium.

[0163] The surfactant system comprises linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and an alkyl alkoxylated alcohol having an average degree of alkoxylation of 1 to 10. The weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkyl alkoxylated alcohol is in the range of 3:1 to 300:1.

[0164] Granular laundry detergents may comprise from 1 wt% to 30 wt% of the surfactant system.

[0165] The surfactant system comprises linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and an alkyl alkoxylated alcohol having an average degree of alkoxylation of 1 to 10, and wherein the weight ratio of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol is in the range of 10:1 to 200:1.

[0166] At least a portion of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate may be present in the granular laundry detergent in the form of a spray dried particle and wherein the spray dried particle comprises 10 to 80 wt% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate. Preferably, the spray dried particle comprises 40 to 80 wt% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate.

[0167] At least a portion of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate may be present in the granular laundry detergent in the form of flakes.

[0168] At least a portion of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate may be present in the granular laundry detergent in the form of agglomerates.

[0169] The surfactant system may comprise an alkyl sulfate, preferably wherein the alkyl sulfate is C 12 -C 14 Alkyl sulfate. Preferably, the weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkyl sulfate is in the range of 2:1 to 60:1.

[0170] Suitable nonionic detersive surfactants are selected from: C8-C 18 Alkyl ethoxylates, such as those from Shell Nonionic surfactant; C6-C 12 Alkylphenol alkoxylates, wherein the alkoxylate units are preferably ethyleneoxy units, propyleneoxy units, or mixtures thereof; C 12 -C 18 Alcohol and C6-C 12Condensates of alkylphenols with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymers, such as those available from BASF Alkyl polysaccharides, preferably alkyl polyglycosides; methyl ester ethoxylates; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; ether-terminated poly(alkoxylated) alcohol surfactants; and mixtures thereof.

[0171] Suitable nonionic detersive surfactants are alkyl polyglucosides and / or alkyl alkoxylated alcohols.

[0172] Suitable nonionic detersive surfactants include alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl alkoxylated alcohol, preferably C 8-18 The alkyl ethoxylated alcohol, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol, has an average degree of alkoxylation of 1 to 50, preferably 1 to 30, or 1 to 20, or 1 to 10, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol is C 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated alcohols having an average degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 7, more preferably 1 to 5, and most preferably 3 to 7. The alkyl alkoxylated alcohols may be linear or branched, and substituted or unsubstituted.

[0173] Suitable nonionic detersive surfactants include those based on secondary alcohols.

[0174] Suitable cationic detersive surfactants include alkyl pyridinium compounds, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, alkyl quaternary phosphonium compounds, alkyl ternary sulfonium compounds, and mixtures thereof.

[0175] Preferred cationic detersive surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds having the general formula:

[0176] (R)(R1)(R2)(R3)N + X -

[0177] Wherein R is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C 6-18 Alkyl or alkenyl moiety, R1 and R2 are independently selected from methyl or ethyl moieties, R3 is a hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl moiety, and X is an anion providing electrical neutrality, and preferred anions include: halide ions, preferably chloride ions; sulfate; and sulfonate.

[0178] Suitable zwitterionic detersive surfactants include amine oxides and / or betaines.

[0179] Suitable polymers include carboxylate polymers, soil release polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, cellulosic polymers, conditioning polymers, and any combination thereof.

[0180] The composition may comprise a carboxylate polymer such as a maleate / acrylate random copolymer or a polyacrylate homopolymer. Suitable carboxylate polymers include: polyacrylate homopolymers having a molecular weight of 4,000 to 9,000 Da; maleate / acrylate random copolymers having a molecular weight of 50,000 to 100,000 Da, or 60,000 to 80,000 Da.

[0181] Another suitable carboxylate polymer is a copolymer comprising: (i) 50 wt% to less than 98 wt% of structural units derived from one or more monomers containing carboxyl groups; (ii) 1 wt% to less than 49 wt% of structural units derived from one or more monomers containing sulfonate moieties; and (iii) 1 wt% to 49 wt% of structural units derived from one or more types of monomers selected from monomers containing ether bonds represented by formula (I) and (II):

[0182] Formula (I):

[0183]

[0184] Wherein in formula (I), R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a CH3 group, R represents a CH2 group, a CH2CH2 group or a single bond, and X represents a number from 0 to 5, provided that when R is a single bond, X represents a number from 1 to 5, and R1 is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C 20 Organic groups;

[0185] Formula (II)

[0186]

[0187] In formula (II), R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a CH3 group, R represents a CH2 group, a CH2CH2 group or a single bond, X represents a number from 0 to 5, and R1 is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C 20 Organic group.

[0188] It may be preferred that the polymer has a weight average molecular weight of at least 50 kDa or even at least 70 kDa.

[0189] The composition may comprise a soil release polymer. Suitable soil release polymers have a structure as defined by one of the following structures (I), (II) or (III):

[0190] (I)-[(OCHR 1 -CHR 2 ) a -O-OC-Ar-CO-] d

[0191] (II)-[(OCHR3 -CHR 4 ) b -O-OC-sAr-CO-] e

[0192] (III)-[(OCHR 5 -CHR 6 ) c -OR 7 ] f

[0193] in:

[0194] a, b and c are 1 to 200;

[0195] d, e and f are 1 to 50;

[0196] Ar is 1,4-substituted phenylene;

[0197] sAr is 1,3-substituted phenylene substituted at position 5 with SO3Me;

[0198] Me is Li, K, Mg / 2, Ca / 2, Al / 3, ammonium, monoalkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium or tetraalkylammonium, wherein the alkyl group is C1-C 18 Alkyl or C2-C 10 Hydroxyalkyl or mixtures thereof;

[0199] R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 Independently selected from H or C1-C 18 n-alkyl or C1-C 18 Isoalkyl; and

[0200] R 7 A straight or branched C1-C 18 Alkyl, or straight or branched C2-C 30 alkenyl, or a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 9 carbon atoms, or a C8-C 30 Aryl group, or C6-C 30 Arylalkyl group.

[0201] Suitable soil release polymers are available from Clariant as A series of polymers are sold, e.g. SRN240 and SRA300. Other suitable soil release polymers are available from Solvay as A series of polymers are sold, e.g. SF2 and Crystal.

[0202] Suitable anti-redeposition polymers include polyethylene glycol polymers and / or polyethylene imine polymers.

[0203] Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers include random graft copolymers comprising: (i) a hydrophilic backbone comprising polyethylene glycol; and (ii) one or more hydrophobic side chains selected from the group consisting of: C4-C 25 Alkyl groups, polypropylene, polybutylene, vinyl esters of saturated C1-C6 monocarboxylic acids, C1-C6 alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof. Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers have a polyethylene glycol backbone with randomly grafted polyvinyl acetate side chains. The average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol backbone may be in the range of 2,000Da to 20,000Da, or 4,000Da to 8,000Da. The molecular weight ratio of the polyethylene glycol backbone to the polyvinyl acetate side chains may be in the range of 1:1 to 1:5, or 1:1.2 to 1:2. The average number of grafting sites per ethylene oxide unit may be less than 0.02, or less than 0.016, the average number of grafting sites per ethylene oxide unit may be in the range of 0.010 to 0.018, or the average number of grafting sites per ethylene oxide unit may be less than 0.010, or in the range of 0.004 to 0.008.

[0204] Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers are described in WO08 / 007320.

[0205] A suitable polyethylene glycol polymer is Sokalan HP22.

[0206] Suitable cellulosic polymers are selected from alkyl celluloses, alkyl alkoxyalkyl celluloses, carboxyalkyl celluloses, alkyl carboxyalkyl celluloses, sulfonate alkyl celluloses, more preferably selected from carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl carboxymethyl cellulose and mixtures thereof.

[0207] Suitable carboxymethyl celluloses have a degree of carboxymethyl substitution of 0.5 to 0.9 and a molecular weight of 100,000 Da to 300,000 Da.

[0208] Suitable carboxymethyl celluloses have a degree of substitution greater than 0.65 and a degree of blockiness greater than 0.45, for example as described in WO 09 / 154933.

[0209] Suitable care polymers include cationically modified or hydrophobically modified cellulosic polymers. Such modified cellulosic polymers can provide anti-abrasion benefits and dye lock benefits to fabrics during the wash cycle. Suitable cellulosic polymers include cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0210] Other suitable care polymers include dye lock polymers, such as condensation oligomers produced by condensation of imidazole and epichlorohydrin, preferably in a 1:4:1 ratio. Suitable commercially available dye lock polymers are FDI (Cognis).

[0211] Other suitable care polymers include amino-silicones, which can provide fabric feel benefits and fabric form retention benefits.

[0212] Suitable bleaching agents include a hydrogen peroxide source, a bleach activator, a bleach catalyst, a preformed peracid, and any combination thereof. Particularly suitable bleaching agents include a hydrogen peroxide source in combination with a bleach activator and / or a bleach catalyst.

[0213] Suitable sources of hydrogen peroxide include sodium perborate and / or sodium percarbonate.

[0214] Suitable bleach activators include tetraacetylethylenediamine and / or alkylphenol sulfonates.

[0215] The composition may contain a bleaching catalyst. Suitable bleaching catalysts include oxaziridinium bleaching catalysts, transition metal bleaching catalysts, especially manganese and iron bleaching catalysts. Suitable bleaching catalysts have a structure that conforms to the following general formula:

[0216]

[0217] Where R 13 Selected from the group consisting of 2-ethylhexyl, 2-propylheptyl, 2-butyloctyl, 2-pentylnonyl, 2-hexyldecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-octadecyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isotridecyl and isopentadecyl.

[0218] Suitable preformed peracids include phthalimidyl-peroxycaproic acid.

[0219] Suitable enzymes include lipases, proteases, cellulases, amylases, and any combination thereof.

[0220] Suitable proteases include metalloproteases and / or serine proteases. Examples of suitable neutral or alkaline proteases include: subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.62); trypsin-type or chymotrypsin-type proteases; and metalloproteases. Suitable proteases include chemically modified or genetically modified mutants of the aforementioned suitable proteases.

[0221] Suitable commercially available proteases include those sold under the trade names Liquanase Savinase and Those sold by Novozymes A / S (Denmark); under the trade name Prefer A series of proteases, including P280, P281, P2018-C, P2081-WE, P2082-EE and P2083-A / J, Purafect Purafect and Purafect Those sold by DuPont; under the trade name and Those sold by Solvay Enzymes; those purchased from Henkel / Kemira, namely BLAP (sequence shown in Figure 29 of US 5,352,604, with the following mutations: S99D+S101 R+S103A+V104I+G159S, hereinafter referred to as BLAP); BLAP R (BLAP with S3T+V4I+V199M+V205I+L217D), BLAP X (BLAP with S3T+V4I+V205I) and BLAP F49 (BLAP with S3T+V4I+A194P+V199M+V205I+L217D), all from Henkel / Kemira; and KAP (alkalophilic Bacillus subtilisin with mutations A230V+S256G+S259N) from Kao.

[0222] Suitable proteases are described in WO11 / 140316 and WO11 / 072117.

[0223] Suitable amylases are derived from the AA560 alpha amylase endogenous to Bacillus sp. DSM 12649, preferably with the following mutations: R118K, D183*, G184*, N195F, R320K and / or R458K. Suitable commercially available amylases include Plus, Natalase, Ultra, SZ, (both from Novozymes) and AA, Preferenz Series of amylase, and Ox Am, HT Plus (both from Du Pont).

[0224] Suitable amylases are described in WO06 / 002643.

[0225] Suitable cellulases include those derived from bacteria or fungi. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are also suitable. Suitable cellulases include cellulases from Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Humicola, Fusarium, Thielavia, Acremonium, such as fungal cellulases produced by Humicola insolens, Myceliophthorathermophila and Fusarium oxysporum.

[0226] Commercially available cellulases include and Premium, and (Novozymes A / S), Series enzymes (Du Pont), and Series enzymes (AB Enzymes). Suitable commercially available cellulases include Premium, Classic. Suitable proteases are described in WO07 / 144857 and WO10 / 056652.

[0227] Suitable lipases include those of bacterial, fungal or synthetic origin, and their variants. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are also suitable. The example of a suitable lipase includes a lipase from Humicola (synonym Thermomyces), for example from H. lanuginosa (T. lanuginosus).

[0228] The lipase may be a "first cycle lipase", e.g., such as those described in WO06 / 090335 and WO13 / 116261. In one aspect, the lipase is a first wash lipase, preferably a variant of the wild-type lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus comprising a T231R and / or N233R mutation. Preferred lipases include those sold under the trade name and Those sold by Novozymes (Bagsvaerd, Denmark).

[0229] Other suitable lipases include: Liprl 139, e.g., as described in WO2013 / 171241; and TfuLip2, e.g., as described in WO2011 / 084412 and WO2013 / 033318.

[0230] Other suitable enzymes are bleaching enzymes such as peroxidases / oxidases, including those of plant, bacterial or fungal origin and variants thereof. Commercially available peroxidases include (Novozymes A / S). Other suitable enzymes include choline oxidase and perhydrolase, such as those used in Gentle Power Bleach TM Those in .

[0231] Other suitable enzymes include those sold under the trade name (from Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) and Pectate lyase sold under the trade name (Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) and Mannanase sold by Du Pont.

[0232] Granular laundry detergent comprises a plurality of particles, wherein the plurality of particles comprises zeolite particles, for example zeolite particles comprising zeolite builder. In fact, the granular laundry detergent may have a composition comprising a zeolite builder. The granular laundry detergent composition may comprise 0.1 wt % to 5.0 wt % of zeolite builder, or 3.0 wt % of zeolite builder. In other words, the granular laundry detergent composition may comprise between 0.1 wt % and 5.0 wt % of zeolite builder, or 3.0 wt % of builder.

[0233] In some examples, the granular laundry detergent composition contains between 1.0 wt. % and 4.0 wt. % zeolite builder.

[0234] In some examples, the granular laundry detergent composition comprises between 1.5 wt. % and 3.5 wt. % zeolite builder.

[0235] In some examples, the granular laundry detergent composition contains between 2.0 wt. % and 3.0 wt. % zeolite builder.

[0236] Typical zeolite builders include zeolite A, zeolite P and zeolite MAP.

[0237] The composition may comprise a phosphate builder. The composition may comprise from 0% to 5% by weight of a phosphate builder, or to 3% by weight of a phosphate builder. The composition may even be substantially free of phosphate builders; substantially free means "not intentionally added". A typical phosphate builder is sodium tripolyphosphate.

[0238] The composition may comprise carbonates. The composition may comprise 0% to 10% by weight of carbonates, or 0% to 5% by weight of carbonates. The composition may even be substantially free of carbonates; substantially free means "not intentionally added". Suitable carbonates include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

[0239] The composition may comprise a silicate. The composition may comprise 0 to 10 wt% silicate, or 0 to 5 wt% silicate. A preferred silicate is sodium silicate, particularly preferred is sodium silicate having a Na2O:SiO2 ratio of 1.0 to 2.8, preferably 1.6 to 2.0.

[0240] A suitable sulfate salt is sodium sulfate.

[0241] Suitable fluorescent brighteners include: distyrylbiphenyl compounds, such as CBS-X, diaminostilbene disulfonic acid compounds, such as DMS pure Xtra and HRH, and pyrazoline compounds, e.g. SN and coumarin compounds, e.g. SWN.

[0242] Preferred brighteners are: sodium 2(4-phenylvinyl-3-sulfophenyl)-2H-naphtho[1,2-d]triazole, disodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-phenylamino-6-(N-methyl-N-2-hydroxyethyl)amino1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)];amino}stilbene-2-2'disulfonate, disodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-phenylamino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)]amino}stilbene-2-2'disulfonate and disodium 4,4'-bis(2-sulfonostyryl)biphenyl. A suitable fluorescent brightener is CI. Fluorescent brightener 260, which can be used in the form of its β or α crystalline form or a mixture of these crystalline forms.

[0243] The composition may also comprise a chelating agent selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine pentaacetate, diethylenetriamine penta(methylphosphonic acid), ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetate, ethylenediamine tetra(methylenephosphonic acid), and hydroxyethane di(methylenephosphonic acid). Preferred chelating agents are ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and / or hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP). The composition preferably comprises ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid or a salt thereof. Preferably, ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid is in the form of the S,S enantiomer. Preferably, the composition comprises 4,5-dihydroxy-isobenzene disulfonic acid disodium salt. Preferred chelating agents may also act as calcium carbonate crystal growth inhibitors, such as: 1-hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and its salts; N,N-dicarboxymethyl-2-aminopentane-1,5-dioic acid and its salts; 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and its salts; and combinations thereof.

[0244] Suitable dye transfer inhibitors include polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinyl pyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl oxazolidones, polyvinyl imidazoles and mixtures thereof. Preferred are poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), poly(vinyl pyridine betaine), poly(vinyl pyridine N-oxide), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-vinylimidazole) and mixtures thereof. Suitable commercially available dye transfer inhibitors include PVP-K15 and K30 (Ashland), HP165, HP50, HP53, HP59, HP56K, HP56, HP66 (BASF), S-400, S403E and S-100 (Ashland).

[0245] Suitable silicones include polydimethylsiloxanes and aminosilicones. Suitable silicones are described in WO05075616.

[0246] Generally, the particles of the composition can be prepared by any suitable method, such as spray drying, agglomeration, extrusion, and any combination thereof.

[0247] Typically, a suitable spray drying process comprises the steps of forming an aqueous slurry mixture, transferring it to a pressure nozzle by at least one pump, preferably two pumps. Atomizing the aqueous slurry mixture into a spray drying tower and drying the aqueous slurry mixture to form spray-dried particles. Preferably, the spray drying tower is a countercurrent spray drying tower, although a cocurrent spray drying tower may also be suitable.

[0248] Typically, the spray-dried powder is subjected to cooling, such as air stripping. Typically, the spray-dried powder is subjected to particle size classification, such as sieving, to obtain a desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the spray-dried powder has a particle size distribution such that the weight average particle size is in the range of 300 microns to 500 microns, and less than 10% by weight of the spray-dried particles have a particle size greater than 2360 microns.

[0249] It may be preferred to heat the aqueous slurry mixture to raise the temperature prior to atomization into a spray drying tower, such as described in WO2009 / 158162.

[0250] For anionic surfactants, such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates it may be preferred that they are introduced into the spray drying process after the step of forming the aqueous slurry mixture: for example, the acid precursor is introduced into the aqueous slurry mixture after pumping, such as described in WO 09 / 158449.

[0251] It may be preferred for a gas such as air to be introduced into the spray drying process after the step of forming the aqueous slurry, such as described in WO2013 / 181205.

[0252] It may be preferred for any inorganic ingredients, such as sodium sulphate and sodium carbonate, if present in the aqueous slurry mixture, that the sodium sulphate and sodium carbonate are micronised to a small particle size, such as described in WO2012 / 134969.

[0253] Typically, suitable agglomeration processes include the step of contacting a detersive ingredient, such as a detersive surfactant, e.g. linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and / or an alkyl alkoxylated sulfate, with an inorganic material, such as sodium carbonate and / or silica in a mixer. The agglomeration process may also be an in-situ neutralization agglomeration process, wherein an acid precursor of a detersive surfactant, such as LAS, is contacted with an alkaline material, such as carbonate and / or sodium hydroxide in a mixer, and wherein the acid precursor of the detersive surfactant is neutralized by the alkaline material during the agglomeration process to form a detersive surfactant.

[0254] Other suitable detergent ingredients that may be agglomerated include polymers, chelating agents, bleach activators, silicones, and any combination thereof.

[0255] Agglomeration process can be high, medium or low shear agglomeration process, wherein high shear, medium shear or low shear mixer is used accordingly. Agglomeration process can be multi-step agglomeration process, wherein two or more mixers are used, such as high shear mixer combined with medium or low shear mixer. Agglomeration process can be continuous process or batch process.

[0256] It may be preferred for the agglomerates to be subjected to a drying step, for example to a fluidized bed drying step. It may also be preferred for the agglomerates to be subjected to a cooling step, for example to a fluidized bed cooling step.

[0257] Typically, the agglomerates are subjected to particle size classification, such as fluidized bed elution and / or sieving, to obtain a desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the agglomerates have a particle size distribution such that the weight average particle size is in the range of 300 microns to 800 microns, and less than 10% by weight of the agglomerates have a particle size of less than 150 microns, and less than 10% by weight of the agglomerates have a particle size greater than 1200 microns.

[0258] It may be preferred for fine and oversized agglomerates to be recycled back into the agglomeration process. Typically, oversized particles are subjected to a comminution step, such as grinding, and recycled back to a suitable location in the agglomeration process, such as a mixer. Typically, fines are recycled back to a suitable location in the agglomeration process, such as a mixer.

[0259] For ingredients, such as polymers and / or nonionic detersive surfactants and / or perfumes, it may be preferred to spray onto base detergent particles, such as spray-dried base detergent particles and / or agglomerated base detergent particles. Typically, the spraying step is carried out in a tumble drum mixer.

[0260] As mentioned above, the water-soluble unit dose products according to the present disclosure should be suitable for use in a method of washing fabrics. Such a method may include the following steps:

[0261] a. Providing an automatic washing machine, wherein the automatic washing machine comprises a drum and a drawer;

[0262] b. adding a water-soluble unit dose product according to the present invention to the drawer, the drum, or a mixture thereof, and adding fabrics to be washed to the drum;

[0263] c. Start a wash cycle in an automatic washing machine.

[0264] Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose article is added to sufficient water to dilute the liquid laundry detergent composition by a factor of at least 300 to form a wash liquor and the fabrics are contacted with the wash liquor in the drum of a washing machine. Without wishing to be bound by theory, when the water-soluble unit dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves, thereby releasing the internal liquid laundry detergent composition into the water. The liquid laundry detergent composition is dispersed in the water to form a wash liquor.

[0265] Preferably, the wash liquid may contain between 1 L and 64 L, preferably between 2 L and 32 L, more preferably between 3 L and 20 L of water.

[0266] Preferably, the temperature of the wash liquor is between 5°C and 90°C, preferably between 10°C and 60°C, more preferably between 12°C and 45°C, most preferably between 15°C and 40°C.

[0267] Preferably, washing fabrics in the wash liquor takes between 5 minutes and 50 minutes, preferably between 5 minutes and 40 minutes, more preferably between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, even more preferably between 5 minutes and 20 minutes, most preferably between 6 minutes and 18 minutes to complete.

[0268] Preferably, the wash liquor contains between 1 kg and 20 kg, preferably between 3 kg and 15 kg, most preferably between 5 kg and 10 kg of fabric.

[0269] The wash liquor may comprise water of any hardness varying preferably between 0 gpg and 40 gpg.

[0270] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0271] Dust extraction duct

[0272] The water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet is not airtight due to its fiber structure. The water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet is breathable. The water-soluble fiber nonwoven sheet has a 5m 3 / m 2 / min and 200m 3 / m 2 / min air permeability.

[0273] In some examples, the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet has a 3 / m 2 / min and 150m3 / m 2 / min air permeability between.

[0274] In some examples, the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet has a 3 / m 2 / min and 125m 3 / m 2 / min air permeability between.

[0275] In some examples, the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet has a 3 / m 2 / min and 105m 3 / m 2 / min air permeability between.

[0276] The air permeability of water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can be measured by standard test method ASTM D737. ASTM D737 describes calibrated airflow equipment, sample clamping device and method for measuring airflow. The test includes clamping the test specific object of water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet (fabric) on the circular opening in the equipment, and measuring the airflow rate through the fabric. The result is expressed as cubic feet (CFM) of air passing through one square foot of fabric per minute. The air permeability of the fabric is determined by comparing the test results with a standard reference fabric or by performing multiple tests under different pressure conditions. The test is repeated several times to obtain the average result of the sample.

[0277] At least some of the particles of the granular laundry detergent may leak through the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet and out of the water-soluble dosage unit article. Figure 1 An example is shown in which at least some particles of granular laundry detergent 106 leak through water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet 102 and fall onto area 114 around the top portion of sealing jaws 110, 111. In some examples, the area around the top portion of the sealing jaw is defined by the top portion of the sealing jaw, the area includes the bottom seal, the area includes, for example, the volume of the area including the center point of the bottom seal, the volume of the area extends, for example, in the direction of the bottom seal (direction Z), the volume of the area includes, for example, more than 1 cm 3 , for example, greater than 5cm 3 , for example, greater than 10cm 3 In some examples, the volume of the region is less than 125 cm 3 .

[0278] In some examples, when the inner compartment 102 is filled, the dust concentration in the region 114 is lower in the presence of airflow than in the absence of airflow. In some examples, when the inner compartment is filled, the dust concentration D1 in the region 114 in the presence of airflow is at most 80% of the dust concentration D2 in the region 114 in the absence of airflow when the inner compartment is filled. In some examples, when the inner compartment is filled, the dust concentration D1 in the region 114 in the presence of airflow is at most 60% of the dust concentration D2 in the region 114 in the absence of airflow when the inner compartment is filled. In some examples, when the inner compartment is filled, the dust concentration D1 in the region 114 in the presence of airflow is at most 40% of the dust concentration D2 in the region 114 in the absence of airflow when the inner compartment is filled. D1 and D2 should be measured in the same way using the same suspended particle measurement method, using, for example, an optical photodetector or an Aethalometer.

[0279] Figures 1 to 5 An exemplary first dust extraction duct is also disclosed.The one or more dust extraction ducts are to be understood as longitudinal channels.

[0280] Figures 1 to 5 An exemplary first dust extraction duct is shown, which includes an end 120 proximate to the bottom seal 108. Figure 1 to Figure 2 as well as Figures 4 to 5 In some examples shown, the first dust extraction duct 116 has a generally rectangular cross-section, however it may have any suitable cross-section, including square, triangular, circular, oval, hexagonal, or a mixture thereof.

[0281] In some examples, the width of the first dust extraction duct along direction Y is between 50 mm and 200 mm.

[0282] In some examples, the first dust extraction duct is between 100 mm and 180 mm wide.

[0283] In some examples, the first dust extraction duct is between 110 mm and 170 mm wide.

[0284] In some examples, the first dust extraction duct is between 140 mm and 160 mm wide.

[0285] The one or more dust extraction ducts may be made of metal or plastic.

[0286] In such Figure 1 In some of the examples shown, the first dust extraction duct 116 shown has a longitudinal axis which has an inclination angle α relative to the direction X. Figures 2 to 5As shown, in some other examples, the first dust extraction duct 116 is shown parallel to the direction X.

[0287] In some examples, one or more dust extraction ducts include an inlet connected to the area around the top portion of the sealing clip and an outlet (not shown) connected to the outside of the system away from the water-soluble dosage unit product. The inlet and outlet of the dust extraction duct should be understood as holes connecting the outside and inside of the dust extraction duct.

[0288] In some examples, the first extraction conduit directs the airflow away from the area around the top portion of the sealing clip. In other words, the one or more extraction conduits direct the airflow from the inlet to the outlet. Directing the airflow away should be understood as diverting the airflow. In these examples, the first extraction conduit allows for directing at least a portion of the leaked particles located in the area around the top portion of the sealing clip away from the area around the top portion of the sealing clip.

[0289] like Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 5 As shown in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , the first dust extraction duct 116 directs airflow away from the area 114 surrounding the top portion 113 of the sealing jaws 110 , 111 . Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 5 In the exemplary system of , at least some of the leakage particles 107 that leak out of the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet 102 and may fall onto the area 114 around the top portion 113 of the sealing jaws 110 , 111 enter the first dust extraction duct 116 through the inlet 118 and are directed away from the area 114 .

[0290] In some examples, the gas flow is an inert gas flow, for example, the gas flow may be an air flow.

[0291] In some examples, the dust extraction duct includes a fan (not shown) between the inlet and the outlet that circulates an internal airflow from the inlet to the outlet.

[0292] In some examples, the inlet has a generally rectangular shape, however, it may have any suitable shape including square, triangle, circle, oval, hexagonal, or a mixture thereof.

[0293] In some examples, the inlet has a rectangular shape having a length along direction Z and a width along direction Y, the length corresponding to the length of the clip along direction Z, the length being significantly longer than the width, for example, greater than 10 times the width or greater than 20 times the width. The relatively small width can produce a Venturi effect that facilitates dust extraction. The relatively small width can help to precisely direct the airflow toward a desired target area, such as a top portion of the sealing clip, a bottom portion of the internal compartment, or both.

[0294] In some examples, the dust extraction duct includes a plurality of inlets or nozzles. In some examples, the plurality of inlets are arranged in a rectangular or square matrix or in a plurality of matrices. In some examples, the arrangement of the inlets is non-uniform, for example producing a higher airflow in a central region of the clip along the direction Z, compared to a lower airflow in a peripheral region of the clip along the direction Z, in particular in order to concentrate dust extraction in such a central region. In some examples, the arrangement of the inlets produces a uniform airflow along the clip. In some examples, such non-uniformity or uniformity can be produced by shaping a single inlet.

[0295] Although not shown, in some examples, the dust extraction duct includes a streamlined nozzle including an inlet at an end thereof, thereby allowing precise extraction of particles located in a specific target area.

[0296] like Figure 3B As shown in the exemplary system of , the dust extraction duct may include a downstream (relative to the airflow) cylindrical component 116a, 302a and an upstream frustoconical component 116b, 302b close to the bottom seal, wherein the frustoconical component is expanded according to the upstream direction. In some examples where the inlet is arranged at the upstream end of the duct, this expansion allows the duct to capture a high proportion of leaked particles. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" should be understood as the upstream side close to the bottom seal and the downstream side away from the bottom seal according to the airflow. In some examples, the upstream cylindrical component and the downstream frustoconical component are assembled, for example, with a seal or by welding. In some examples, the upstream component is a reverse form of the bottom portion of the water-soluble unit dose product, thereby allowing more stringent extraction of at least some leaked particles. In some examples, the upstream component is a series of multiple frustoconical components, and the upstream component includes multiple frustoconical components.

[0297] In some other examples, one or more dust extraction ducts direct the airflow away from the bottom portion of the inner compartment. In these examples, the first extraction duct allows directing at least a portion of the leaked particles located close to and away from the bottom portion of the inner compartment.

[0298] like Figure 2 As shown in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , the first dust extraction duct 116 directs airflow away from the bottom portion 204 of the interior compartment 104. The bottom portion 204 is shown as having a generally triangular shape, however, it may have any suitable shape, including square, triangle, circle, oval, hexagon, or a mixture thereof. Figure 2 In the exemplary system of , at least some of the leakage particles 107 that leak out from the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet 102 through the bottom portion 204 enter the first dust extraction duct 116 through the inlet 118 and are directed out of the bottom portion 204 .

[0299] In some other examples, one or more dust extraction ducts direct the airflow away from both the area around the top portion of the sealing clip and the bottom portion of the internal compartment. This example feature allows for more stringent extraction of leaking particles. Figure 4 As shown in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , the first dust extraction duct 116 has two inlets 118 , 119 oriented toward the area 114 around the top portion of the sealing jaws and the bottom portion 204 of the internal compartment, respectively.

[0300] In some examples, the system further comprises a second dust extraction duct facing the first dust extraction duct. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B As shown in the exemplary system in FIG. 1 , the system includes a second dust extraction duct 302 facing the first dust extraction duct 116, wherein the ends 120, 304 of the dust extraction ducts 116, 302 near the bottom seal 108 define a funnel area, wherein the bottom portion 204 is nested in the funnel area. In these examples where the ends of the dust extraction ducts define the funnel area, the funnel area allows the dust extraction duct to collect a high proportion of leaked particles falling along the direction D toward the funnel area. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The illustrated second dust extraction duct 302 also includes an inlet 306. With this exemplary configuration of the system, at least some leakage particles can be extracted by the inlets 118, 306 of both dust extraction ducts 116, 302, thereby allowing at least some leakage particles leaking from both opposing sides of the sheet 102 to be extracted.

[0301] Although not shown, in some examples, the system includes more than two dust extraction ducts disposed around the water-soluble dosage unit article and above the sealing jaws.

[0302] The dust extraction duct features of the present disclosure should be understood as not being limited to either the first or second dust extraction ducts, and they may be applied to both dust extraction ducts or any other additional dust extraction ducts.

[0303] In such Figure 4 In some examples shown, the system includes a dosing device formed by a hopper 402, which is partially disposed in a sleeve 406 of the water-soluble unit dose product 100, which sleeve extends along the direction Y. The hopper 402 is shown to have a generally trapezoidal cross-section, however, the hopper can have any suitable cross-section, including square, triangle, circle, oval, hexagonal, or a mixture thereof. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the dosing device can be any dosing device, for example, the dosing device can be a standard auger screw device.

[0304] like Figure 4As shown in the exemplary system of , the hopper 402 defines a planar end 404, which is a surface parallel to the plane M and facing the interior compartment 102, wherein the hopper 402 fills the interior compartment with granular laundry detergent particles through the planar end 404. In other words, the planar end 404 corresponds to the outlet of the hopper 402. In some examples, a plane N parallel to the plane M includes the planar end 404, and the planes N and M are at a distance 406 from each other, and the distance 406 corresponds to the distance between the sealing jaws 110, 111 and the hopper 402. This distance should be understood as the chute length of the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet.

[0305] In some examples, distance 406 is between 0.5 m and 1.5 m.

[0306] In some examples, distance 406 is between 0.75 m and 1.25 m.

[0307] In some examples, distance 406 is between 0.90 m and 1.10 m.

[0308] In some examples, distance 406 is between 0.95 m and 1.05 m.

[0309] like Figure 5 As shown in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , the bottom seal 108 is included in a plane R, and the end 120 of the first extraction conduit 116 proximate the bottom seal 108 is included in a plane T, wherein plane R includes the direction of the bottom seal and is perpendicular to the top portion of the sealing jaws, and wherein plane T is parallel to plane R and includes the end 120. In other words, planes R and T are perpendicular to plane M. Planes T and R are separated by a distance 502, which corresponds to the distance between the end of the extraction conduit proximate the bottom seal and the bottom seal.

[0310] The distance 502 is between 4.5 cm and 12.5 cm.

[0311] In some examples, distance 502 is between 5 cm and 12 cm.

[0312] In some examples, distance 502 is between 6 cm and 11 cm.

[0313] In some examples, distance 502 is between 8 cm and 9 cm.

[0314] like Figure 5 As shown in the exemplary system of , the distance between planes T and R is far enough apart that the water-soluble dosage unit product can slide past them (ie, in direction D) when the sealing jaws are opened.

[0315] In such Figure 3B In some of the examples shown, the system may be asymmetric with respect to plane R. Figure 3B In the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , the second extraction conduit 302 is shown to have a greater flow rate than the first extraction conduit. In this particular example, the sealing jaws 111 are heated, and the second extraction conduit 302 directs the flow of gas at a higher flow rate than the first extraction conduit 116, thereby allowing leaked particles and heat generated by the heated sealing jaws to be extracted from the system by the second extraction conduit 302.

[0316] Figure 7 An exemplary method 700 is shown to operate according to any of the systems described herein. The different blocks included in the method are associated with the figures showing the corresponding actions, in which reference numerals are not repeated when similar elements are involved.

[0317] In block 710, method 700 includes forming a sleeve 714 comprising a water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet. In this example, the sheet is formed from a single sheet 716 that is sealed to itself to form a longitudinal seal 718 in a sealing device 712, which is not described in detail herein. In other examples not shown, the sleeve may be formed from two sheets that face each other and form a sleeve between two parallel longitudinal sleeves.

[0318] In block 720, method 700 includes sealing the sleeve transversely by keeping the sealing clip (such as clip 110 and 111) across the sleeve closed to form a bottom seal. It should be noted that by forming in this way, the bottom seal will have a characteristic similar to the top seal. In some examples, the sealing clip is kept in contact with the nonwoven sheet for greater than 50ms and less than 600ms to form a seal. In some examples, the sealing clip is kept in contact with the nonwoven sheet for greater than 100ms and less than 400ms to form a seal. In some examples, the sealing clip is kept in contact with the nonwoven sheet for greater than 100ms and less than 300ms to form a seal. In some examples, the sealing clip is kept in contact with the nonwoven sheet for greater than 230ms and less than 280ms to form a seal. Such time range allows to avoid damage to the seal (e.g., due to excessive heat application), while forming a reliable seal (e.g., by sufficient heat application).

[0319] In box 730, method 700 includes filling the inner compartment with granular laundry detergent in response to forming a bottom seal. This filling can be carried out, for example, by a hopper 732, which includes a cylindrical portion or a tubular portion 734, around which the sleeve is formed. Filling can also be carried out in other ways. It should be noted that this filling causes the diffusion of fine powder such as produced by spice particles, and such spice particles are particularly kept as a bulk flow in the region where the top seal will be formed, thereby affecting the melting or fusion of the nonwoven sheet forming the seal or weld. In some examples, the method also includes: after the filled inner compartment slides over the opened sealing clip and before forming the top seal, the granular laundry detergent is settled in the inner compartment by keeping the sealing clip open for at least 50ms.

[0320] In block 740, method 700 includes opening the sealing jaws and sliding the filled internal compartment between and over the opened sealing jaws. It should be noted that while the jaws should be considered closed when they are stationary and pressed against each other (e.g., clamping the sleeve), the jaws should be considered "open" when "unclosed," i.e., open when open, when closed, or when held open. It should be noted that sliding can occur between the jaws by gravity, which is facilitated by the weight of the granular laundry detergent. The distance corresponding to the displacement or travel of the sleeve during sliding will correspond to the distance between the top seal and the bottom seal.

[0321] In block 750, the method includes, in response to the filled interior compartment sliding over the opened sealing jaws, sealing the sleeve laterally by holding the sealing jaws closed across the sleeve to form a top seal according to the present disclosure. In some examples, the sleeve remains stationary, i.e., does not slide, during sealing of the top and bottom seals.

[0322] In block 760, method 700 includes extracting at least a portion of the zeolite particles of the granular laundry detergent from the bottom portion of the interior compartment with first dust extraction device 116. In some examples, in block 760, method 760 includes extracting at least a portion of the zeolite particles of the granular laundry detergent from an area surrounding a top portion of the sealing jaw. In some examples, in block 760, method 700 includes extracting at least a portion of the zeolite particles of the granular laundry detergent from an area surrounding a top portion of the sealing jaw and from the bottom portion of the interior compartment.

[0323] In some examples, such extracting includes directing the gas flow at a gas velocity between 0.2 m / s and 10 m / s.

[0324] In some examples, the gas velocity is between 1.5 m / s and 8.5 m / s.

[0325] In some examples, the gas velocity is between 2.5 m / s and 7.5 m / s.

[0326] In some examples, the gas velocity is between 4 m / s and 6 m / s.

[0327] In some examples, this extraction includes 3 / h and 460m 3 The air flow is guided at a flow rate between / h.

[0328] In some examples, the flow rate is 175m 3 / h and 420m 3 / h.

[0329] In some examples, the flow rate is 215m 3 / h and 380m 3 / h.

[0330] In some examples, the flow rate is 255m 3 / h and 345m 3 / h.

[0331] In some examples, the heated jaws reach a temperature greater than 180° C. and less than 250° C. during seal formation. In some examples, the heated jaws reach a temperature greater than 190° C. and less than 230° C. during seal formation. In some examples, the heated jaws reach a temperature greater than 200° C. and less than 220° C. during seal formation. The temperature range has an impact on the time it takes to form a seal and the degradation of the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet, or has an impact on the life of the jaw components (such as the non-stick material, non-stick coating, or removable layer mentioned above).

[0332] In some examples, methods such as Figure 7 The method 700 shown also includes replacing the removable layer after forming at least 5000 filled water-soluble unit dose articles. This can be done using methods including, for example, Figure 6The method is accomplished by a system of such removable layers as shown. In some examples, the method includes replacing the removable layer after forming at least 10,000 filled water-soluble unit dose products. In some examples, the method includes replacing the removable layer after forming at least 12,000 filled water-soluble unit dose products. In some examples, the method includes replacing the removable layer in less than 4 hours after forming at least 5,000 filled water-soluble unit dose products. In some examples, the method includes replacing the removable layer in less than 4 hours after forming at least 10,000 filled water-soluble unit dose products. In some examples, the method includes replacing the removable layer in less than 4 hours after forming at least 12,000 filled water-soluble unit dose products.

[0333] In some other examples, the method 700 further includes, including in block 750 of sealing the filled water-soluble unit dose product with a clip to form a top seal, cutting the top seal by the sealing clip along the longitudinal direction of the seal (in other words, transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve). Such simultaneous sealing and cutting is found to be particularly effective.

[0334] Another exemplary method 800 is shown in Figure 8 Method 800 includes blocks 710, 720, 730, 740, and 750 as described in the context of method 700, wherein blocks 710, 720, 730, 740, and 750 are included in block 810. Figure 8 In block 810 of the illustrated example, method 800 includes continuously extracting during method 800. Figure 8 In the exemplary method 800 of FIG. 8 , such simultaneous extraction 810 and performing any of blocks 710 , 720 , 730 , 740 , and 750 are found to be particularly effective: at least some of the leaking particles are extracted from the system before they damage the sealing jaws.

[0335] In some other examples, block 760 is performed in a loop during a time interval that is between 0.6 seconds and 1.5 seconds.

[0336] In some examples, the decimation time interval is between 0.75 seconds and 1.25 seconds.

[0337] In some examples, the decimation time interval is between 0.90 seconds and 1.10 seconds.

[0338] In some examples, the decimation time interval is between 0.95 seconds and 1.05 seconds.

[0339] In some examples, such cyclic extraction has been found to be particularly energy efficient while ensuring satisfactory particle extraction.

[0340] Fig. 9 Another exemplary method 900 shown includes as in Figure 7 , wherein block 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, and 760 are described in the context of method 700 in , wherein block 760 is performed after block 730 and before block 740. In exemplary process 900, it was found that this sequencing of filling the inner compartment with granular laundry detergent and then extracting with the dust extraction conduit is particularly effective: the particles of the granular laundry detergent are more likely to leak after filling due to the force they exert on the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet as they fall and accumulate at the bottom of the inner compartment. In other words, the extraction is performed after the inner compartment is filled with granular laundry detergent.

[0341] Although not shown, in some examples, block 760 is performed after block 740 and before block 750 .

[0342] Although not shown, in some examples, the dust extraction conduit is movable, for example, the dust extraction conduit can be rotated around the water-soluble unit dose product (i.e., around the direction of the sleeve). In some examples, the method also includes rotating the dust extraction conduit around the water-soluble unit dose product before extraction, and the angle of rotation is between 360° / N, where N is the number of dust extraction conduits in the system.

[0343] In some examples, the angle of rotation is between 1° and 360°.

[0344] In some examples, the angle of rotation is between 45° and 325°.

[0345] In some examples, the angle of rotation is between 90° and 270°.

[0346] In some examples, the angle of rotation is between 135° and 225°.

[0347] In some examples, the rotating is performed simultaneously during the decimation.

[0348] In some examples, the rotation is performed cyclically during time intervals between 0.6 seconds and 1.5 seconds.

[0349] In some examples, the rotation time interval is between 0.75 seconds and 1.25 seconds.

[0350] In some examples, the rotation time interval is between 0.90 seconds and 1.10 seconds.

[0351] In some examples, the rotation time interval is between 0.95 seconds and 1.05 seconds.

[0352] In some examples, the dust extraction duct is movable along direction X, thereby allowing adjustment of the distance between the dust extraction duct and the bottom seal (ie, Figure 5 In some examples, the method further comprises moving the dust extraction conduit closer to the bottom seal before extraction, and moving the dust extraction conduit away from the bottom seal after the extraction. In some examples, the method further comprises moving the dust extraction conduit closer to the bottom seal so that their ends closer to the bottom seal define a funnel area.

[0353] The features of the dust extraction duct described in the present disclosure may be applied to a dust extraction duct performing extraction during a method.

[0354] It should be noted that different ranges are provided in this specification for different dimensions (such as temperature, time, length or number of articles produced). Combinations of these ranges, especially combinations of different narrow ranges, have been found to result in gradually increasing the reliability of articles, as well as the manufacturing efficiency of these articles.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: A water-soluble unit dose product comprising a water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet and a granular laundry detergent, wherein the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet is formed to form a partially sealed internal compartment, wherein the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet has a granular laundry detergent content of 50%. 3 / m 2 / min and 200m 3 / m 2 an air permeability of between 100 Å / min and 200 Å / min, wherein the granular laundry detergent is contained within the interior compartment, wherein the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet comprises a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, and wherein the granular laundry detergent comprises a plurality of particles, wherein the plurality of particles comprise zeolite particles; sealing jaws, wherein at least one of the sealing jaws is a heated sealing jaw, wherein a bottom seal of the interior compartment is clamped between the jaws, wherein the jaws include a non-stick coating in contact with the bottom seal; and A first dust extraction duct for directing airflow away from an area around a top portion of the sealing jaw or away from a bottom portion of the interior compartment.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the extraction conduit directs the gas flow away from the area around the top portion of the sealing jaw and away from the bottom portion of the interior compartment.

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second dust extraction duct facing the first dust extraction duct, wherein the ends of these dust extraction ducts close to the bottom seal define a funnel area, wherein the bottom part is nested in the funnel area.

4. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-stick coating comprises a polymeric material.

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water-soluble cellulosic nonwoven sheet has a chute length of between 0.5 m and 1.5 m, the length being measured between the sealing jaws and the dosing device.

6. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of particles comprises between 0.1 wt% and 5.0 wt% zeolite particles.

7. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of particles further comprises sodium carbonate particles.

8. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of particles further comprises starch encapsulated blend particles.

9. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end of the extraction conduit proximal to the bottom seal is between 4.5 cm and 12.5 cm from the bottom seal.

10. A method of operating a system according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: forming a sleeve including the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet; laterally sealing the sleeve by holding the sealing jaws closed across the sleeve to form the bottom seal; filling the interior compartment with the granular laundry detergent in response to forming the bottom seal; opening the sealing jaws and sliding the filled interior compartment between and over the opened sealing jaws; sealing the sleeve laterally by holding the sealing jaws closed across the sleeve to form a top seal in response to the filled interior compartment sliding past the opened sealing jaws; as well as At least a portion of the zeolite particles of the granular laundry detergent are extracted from at least one of the area around the top portion of the sealing jaw and the bottom portion of the interior compartment with the dust extraction device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the extracting comprises directing the gas flow at a gas velocity between 0.2 m / s and 10 m / s.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the extracting comprises directing the airflow at a flow rate between 50 mm and 200 mm.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the extracting is performed continuously during the method.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the extracting is performed during a time interval, the time interval being between 0.6 seconds and 1.5 seconds.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the extracting is performed after filling the interior compartment with the granular laundry detergent.

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