Method for producing a liquid detergent

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a liquid, surfactant-containing detergent, containing: i) 20 to 80 wt.% surfactant; ii) 2 to 15 wt.% fatty acid; iii) 0.3 to 8 wt.% salt of a divalent cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt.% solvent; the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a first liquid composition containing surfactant, fatty acid and solvent, and conveying the first liquid composition into a main pipe; b) introducing the salt of a divalent cation into the liquid composition to form a salt-containing composition; c) mixing the salt-containing composition by means of a first dynamic mixer to form a first product stage; d) temporarily storing the first product stage in a temporary storage container; e) mixing the temporarily stored first product stage in a second dynamic mixer to form a second product stage.

Description

[0001] Process for producing a liquid detergent

[0002] The present invention relates to a process for producing a liquid surfactant-containing detergent. In particular, the invention relates to a sequential process for producing a liquid surfactant-containing detergent with improved optical and rheological properties.

[0003] The packaging and distribution of detergents and laundry detergents are constantly evolving. For some time now, a key focus has been on convenient dosing of detergents and laundry detergents for consumers and simplifying the steps required for washing or cleaning. One solution is pre-portioned detergents or laundry detergents, for example, foil pouches with one or more compartments for solid or liquid detergents or laundry detergents. From a technical perspective, a key focus is on the development and production of liquid detergents suitable for packaging in water-soluble foil pouches.

[0004] The commercial success of a detergent portion unit is naturally determined not only by process-technical aspects but also by the ability to provide a product that meets consumer interest. A key means of communicating product quality and promise is its appearance, including the shape and color of the portion unit. This applies particularly to water-soluble film pouches, whose soluble films are generally transparent and reveal the solid or liquid detergent contained within. While colored, i.e., non-white, liquid detergents can be easily obtained by adding appropriate dyes, the provision of white liquid detergents is more challenging because the opacifiers previously used in their production are increasingly being viewed critically from an ecological perspective.Against this background, the provision of an ecologically acceptable opacifier is a relevant development goal in the field of liquid detergents and washing agents.

[0005] Liquid detergents are typically manufactured using a sequential process in which the detergent ingredients are blended together in chronological order. To achieve a homogeneous end product, the respective intermediate products and the final product are mixed with energy input. The intermediate and final products are characterized not only by the most homogeneous distribution of active ingredients possible, but also by rheological properties suitable for further processing. The type and timing of adjustment of these rheological properties during the manufacturing process influences the efficiency of the process. For example, the pumped transport of liquid detergents through pipes or tanks is trouble-free if the rheological properties of the detergent remain constant throughout the production period.The same applies to the filling of intermediate and final products into storage tanks or sales containers such as portion bags or bottles. Due to the comparatively small filled volumes, stable rheological properties of the final products are of utmost importance when packaging them in water-soluble single- or multi-chamber bags.

[0006] An exemplary multi-stage process for producing liquid detergents is described in European patent application EP 4 155 374 A1.

[0007] The application is based on the objective of providing an efficient process for producing visually appealing, concentrated liquid detergents. The resulting detergents should be characterized by high chemical and physical stability, in particular by a high temporal stability of their optical and rheological properties.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a process for producing a liquid, surfactant-containing detergent containing i) 20 to 80 wt.% surfactant; ii) 2 to 15 wt.% fatty acid; iii) 0.3 to 8 wt.% salt of a divalent cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt.% solvent; comprising the steps: a) providing a first liquid composition containing surfactant, fatty acid and solvent and introducing the first liquid composition into a main line; b) introducing the salt of a divalent cation into the liquid composition to form a salt-containing composition; c) mixing the salt-containing composition by means of a first dynamic mixer to form a first product stage; d) intermediate storage of the first product stage in an intermediate storage container; e) mixing the intermediately stored first product stage in a second dynamic mixer to form a second product stage.

[0009] The starting point of the process according to the invention is the provision of a first liquid composition containing surfactant, fatty acid, and solvent in step a). This preparation can be prepared beforehand in a continuous or discontinuous manner. For continuous production, for example, a line system, preferably equipped with mixing devices, in which the components of the preparation are brought into contact with one another and mixed, is suitable. However, due to the reduced equipment and operational complexity, it is preferred if the first liquid composition is prepared discontinuously. For this purpose, for example, the preparation can be prepared as a storable mixture (master batch) in a stirred tank or other container.Such a container not only enables the storage of intermediate products but also allows for buffering any fluctuations in the throughput rates of the subsequent, preferably continuously performed, process steps b) to e). It is therefore further preferred if the first liquid composition is continuously introduced from a buffer container into a main line.

[0010] In step b) of the process, a salt of a divalent cation is introduced into the first liquid composition. Suitable salts of a divalent cation include both inorganic and organic salts.

[0011] In one embodiment of the process, the salt of a divalent cation in step b) is selected from the group of inorganic salts. Particular preference is given to using salts of divalent cations in the form of their aqueous solutions, wherein the salt is selected from the group of inorganic salts of divalent metallic cations, in particular magnesium and calcium salts, preferably from the group consisting of magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, and calcium sulfate, in particular from the group consisting of magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, most preferably calcium chloride.

[0012] To simplify the process, it is preferred if the inorganic salt of a divalent cation in step b) is introduced into the liquid composition in the form of an aqueous solution, preferably an alkaline aqueous solution.

[0013] The solution of the inorganic salt of a divalent cation preferably has a salt concentration of 200 to 800 g / l, more preferably 250 to 600 g / l. A corresponding salt content reduces the amount of water introduced into the liquid composition and enables sufficiently precise dosing with sufficiently large volumes of the salt solution.

[0014] In an alternative process, the salt of a divalent cation in step b) is selected from the group of organic salts. Unlike the inorganic salt of a divalent cation, the organic salt of a divalent cation in step b) is preferably introduced into the liquid composition in the form of a dispersion, particularly preferably in the form of an alkaline aqueous dispersion.

[0015] The organic salt of a divalent cation is preferably introduced into the liquid composition in step b) in the form of a dispersion, wherein the salt is preferably selected from the group of organic salts of divalent metallic cations, in particular magnesium and calcium salts, preferably from the group of fatty acid salts of magnesium and calcium, in particular fatty acid salts of calcium. The calcium salts of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and mixtures thereof, in particular calcium salts from the group of calcium stearates, have proven particularly advantageous with regard to the formation of a cloudy white appearance.

[0016] For the reasons given above for the inorganic salt of a divalent cation, the dispersion of the organic salt of a divalent cation also has a salt concentration of 200 to 800 g / l, preferably of 250 to 600 g / l.

[0017] In a particularly preferred process variant, the salt of a divalent cation in step b) comprises inorganic salt and organic salt, preferably calcium chloride and calcium stearate.

[0018] The addition of the salt of a divalent cation results in the formation of a cloudy white appearance and a sufficiently high and stable viscosity, which is advantageous for further process control and subsequent use. The development of both physical properties of the liquid composition is promoted by thorough mixing of all ingredients. It is therefore further preferred that the outlet opening of the secondary line, through which the salt of a divalent cation is continuously introduced into the main line via a secondary line in step b), be located within the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

[0019] If both inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation are introduced into the liquid composition in step b) of the process, it is preferred to continuously introduce the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation into the main line via separate secondary lines, wherein the outlet openings of the secondary lines are preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

[0020] It is further preferred that the salt of a divalent cation comprises both inorganic salt of a divalent cation and organic salt of a divalent cation and the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation are introduced into the main line in step b) simultaneously via separate secondary lines, wherein the outlet opening of the secondary lines is particularly preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

[0021] In an alternative process, both inorganic salt of a divalent cation and organic salt of a divalent cation are used as the salt of a divalent cation, and the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation are continuously introduced into the main line as a mixture via a secondary line in step b), wherein the outlet opening of the secondary line is preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

[0022] For the process control and the resulting cloudy white appearance of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent, it has proven advantageous if the molar ratio of the salt introduced in step b) in the form of an inorganic salt of a divalent cation to the salt introduced in step b) in the form of an organic salt of a divalent cation is 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 1:6 to 6:1 and in particular 1:3 to 3:1.

[0023] Following the introduction of the inorganic and / or organic salt of a divalent cation into the liquid composition, the resulting salt-containing composition is mixed in step c). Surprisingly, it has been shown that the mixing time required to form a stable surfactant-containing detergent with a cloudy white appearance can be significantly shortened by the addition of the organic salt of a divalent cation compared to processes in which only an inorganic salt of a divalent cation is used. Step c) is preferably carried out for a period of 0.5 to 20 seconds, preferably 2 to 12 seconds. Furthermore, the mixing process is preferably carried out continuously.

[0024] For the physical properties of the first and second product stages, it has proven advantageous if the mixing of the salt-containing composition in step c) is carried out with an energy input of 600 to 2000 kW / m3 , preferably from 900 to 1400 kW / m 3 For the reasons mentioned, it is further preferred if the mixing of the salt-containing composition in step c) is carried out at a shear rate of 2000 to 12000 s -1 , preferably from 6000 to 9000 s -1 occurs.

[0025] The first product stage obtained in step c) is temporarily stored in step d). This temporary storage preferably takes place for a period of 0.1 to 50 hours, more preferably 3 to 25 hours. To stabilize the viscosity of the first product stage, it preferably has a temperature of 15 to 30°C, more preferably 18 to 25°C, in step d). To reduce the temporary storage time and improve the rheological properties of the first product stage, it is preferable to stir the first product stage during the temporary storage in step d).

[0026] The intermediately stored first product stage is mixed in step e) in a second dynamic mixer to form the second product stage. As in step c), the mixing in step e) preferably takes place continuously. A preferred time period for mixing the intermediately stored first product stage in step e) is 0.5 to 20 seconds, particularly preferably 2 to 12 seconds.

[0027] The mixing of the intermediately stored first product stage in step e) is preferably carried out with an energy input of 600 to 2000 kW / m 3 , particularly preferably from 900 to 1400 kW / m 3 .

[0028] The shear rate during the mixing process e) is preferably 2000 to 12000 s -1 , particularly preferably 6000 to 9000 s -1 .

[0029] The second product stage obtained in process step e) is characterized by high physical stability, in particular by a high temporal stability of its viscosity. In a preferred embodiment of the process, the second product stage obtained in process step e) is not subjected to further differentiation. In other words, no further ingredient is added to the second product stage following process step e). The composition of the second product stage is thus identical to the composition of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent.

[0030] The second product stage obtained in process step e) is preferably packaged and processed without further differentiation. Due to the high temporal stability of its viscosity, the second product stage can also be stored for extended periods prior to packaging. In a preferred embodiment of the process, the second product stage is stored in a further step f) following step e). The storage period in step f) can, for example, be more than 0.5 hours, in particular more than 6 hours, but also more than 24 hours.

[0031] In order to increase the process efficiency, it is preferred if the second product stage is stored following step e) in a further step f) for a period of less than 120 hours, preferably less than 24 hours and in particular less than 2 hours.

[0032] During storage in the further step f), the second product stage preferably has a temperature of 18 to 29°C, and in particular of 20 to 24°C. Maintaining this temperature range enhances the temporal stability of the viscosity of the second product stage achieved by the use of the second dynamic mixer.

[0033] A first essential component of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent and the first liquid composition is the surfactant, which is present in the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent at a concentration of 20 to 80 wt.%, preferably 30 to 75 wt.%, and in particular 40 to 70 wt.%. The group of surfactants includes nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants. The compositions according to the invention can comprise one or more of the aforementioned surfactants. Particularly preferred compositions contain at least one anionic surfactant as the surfactant.

[0034] The anionic surfactant is preferably selected from the group comprising C9-C13 alkylbenzenesulfonates, olefinsulfonates, C12-C18 alkanesulfonates, estersulfonates, alk(en)yl sulfates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates, and mixtures thereof. Compositions comprising C8-C11 alkylbenzenesulfonates and fatty alcohol ether sulfates as anionic surfactant exhibit particularly good dispersing properties. Suitable sulfonate-type surfactants are preferably C8-C11 alkylbenzenesulfonates, olefinsulfonates, i.e., mixtures of alkene and hydroxyalkanesulfonates, and disulfonates, such as those obtained, for example, from C12-C18 monoolefins with a terminal or internal double bond by sulfonation with gaseous sulfur trioxide and subsequent alkaline or acidic hydrolysis of the sulfonation products.Also suitable are Ci2-Ci8-alkanesulfonates and the esters of α-sulfofatty acids (estersulfonates), for example the α-sulfonated methyl esters of hydrogenated coconut, palm kernel or tallow fatty acids.

[0035] Preferred alk(en)yl sulfates are the alkali metal salts, especially the sodium salts, of the sulfuric acid half-esters of C12-C18 fatty alcohols, for example, coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, or stearyl alcohol, or C18-C20 oxo alcohols, and those half-esters of secondary alcohols with these chain lengths. For washing purposes, C12-C16 alkyl sulfates, C12-C15 alkyl sulfates, and C14-C15 alkyl sulfates are preferred. 2,3-Alkyl sulfates are also suitable anionic surfactants.

[0036] Preferred alk(en)yl sulfates are the salts of the sulfuric acid semiesters of fatty alcohols with 12 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, or stearyl alcohol, or of oxo alcohols with 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and those semiesters of secondary alcohols with these chain lengths. For washing purposes, alkyl sulfates with 12 to 16 carbon atoms and alkyl sulfates with 12 to 15 carbon atoms, as well as alkyl sulfates with 14 and 15 carbon atoms, are preferred. 2,3-Alkyl sulfates are also suitable anionic surfactants.

[0037] Fatty alcohol ether sulfates, such as the sulfuric acid monoesters of straight-chain or branched C7-C2i alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 6 mol of ethylene oxide, such as 2-methyl-branched C9-C11 alcohols with an average of 3.5 mol of ethylene oxide (EO) or C12-C18 fatty alcohols with 1 to 4 EO, are also suitable. Alkyl ether sulfates with the formula (A-1) are preferred.

[0038] R 1 -O-(AO) n-SO3- X + (A-1) In this formula (A-1) R 1 represents a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical, preferably a linear, unsubstituted alkyl radical, particularly preferably a fatty alcohol radical. Preferred radicals R 1 of formula (A-1) are selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl radicals and mixtures thereof, with the representatives having an even number of carbon atoms being preferred. Particularly preferred radicals R 1 of formula (A-1) are derived from fatty alcohols with 12 to 18 C atoms, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl or stearyl alcohol or from oxo alcohols with 10 to 20 C atoms.

[0039] In formula (A-1), AO represents an ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) group, preferably an ethylene oxide group. The index n in formula (A-1) is an integer from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20, and in particular from 2 to 10. n is most preferably 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. X is a monovalent cation or the nth part of an n-valent cation, preferred being the alkali metal ions, and among these, Na + or K + , where Na + is highly preferred. Further cations X+ can be selected from NHT, % Zn 2+ ,% Mg 2+ ,% Ca 2+ ,% Mn 2+ , and their mixtures.

[0040] Particularly preferred compositions contain an alkyl ether sulfate selected from fatty alcohol ether sulfates of the formula A-2

[0041] (A-2) with k = 11 to 19, n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Very particularly preferred representatives are Na fatty alcohol ether sulfates with 12 to 18 C atoms and 2 EO (k = 11 to 13, n = 2 in formula A-1). The stated degree of ethoxylation represents a statistical mean, which can be a whole or fractional number for a specific product. The stated degrees of alkoxylation represent statistical mean, which can be a whole or fractional number for a specific product. Preferred alkoxylates / ethoxylates have a narrow homolog distribution (narrow range ethoxylates, NRE).

[0042] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition contains C9-13 alkylbenzenesulfonates and optionally additionally fatty alcohol ether sulfates as anionic surfactant.

[0043] It is particularly preferred if the composition contains at least one anionic surfactant of the formula (A-3), (A-3), in the

[0044] R' and R" are independently H or alkyl and together contain 9 to 19, preferably 9 to 15 and especially 9 to 13 C atoms, and Y + a monovalent cation or the n-th part of an n-valent cation (especially Na + ) mean.

[0045] In summary, liquid surfactant-containing detergents preferably produced by the process according to the invention contain as surfactant at least one anionic surfactant, preferably at least one anionic surfactant from the group consisting of Cs-18-alkylbenzenesulfonates, Cs-18-olefinsulfonates, Cs-alkanesulfonates, Cs-18-estersulfonates, Cs-18-alkylsulfates, Cs-18-alkenylsulfates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates, in particular at least one anionic surfactant from the group of Cs-18-alkylbenzenesulfonates.

[0046] The weight proportion of the anionic surfactant in the total weight of the liquid surfactant-containing detergents is preferably 20 to 60 wt.% and in particular 22 to 50 wt.%.

[0047] As a second essential component, the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent and the first liquid composition contain fatty acid. For the optical properties, viscosity profile, and cleaning performance of the preparation, it has proven advantageous if the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains 4 to 12 wt.%, preferably 6 to 10 wt.%, fatty acid, based on its total weight. This weight fraction refers to the weight fraction of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent produced by the process and includes both the fatty acids provided in step a), i.e., the fatty acid-containing organic salts of a divalent cation optionally introduced in step a), and any fatty acids added at a different time. The fatty acids may be in acid form or in the form of their salts.

[0048] Preferred fatty acids are selected from the group caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures thereof.

[0049] As a third essential component, the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains the salt of a divalent cation. The weight proportion of this salt in the total weight of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent is preferably 0.4 to 6 wt.% and in particular 0.5 to 4 wt.%. These weight proportions have proven advantageous with regard to both the appearance and the viscosity of the preparation. As a fourth essential component, the detergent produced according to the invention contains a solvent. The weight proportion of the solvent in the total weight of the detergent preparation is preferably 12 to 32 wt.% and in particular 15 to 30 wt.% With regard to processability, in particular the meterability of the detergent preparation in the process according to the invention, it has proven advantageous if the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent, based on its total weight, contains 7 to 20 wt.%, preferably 10 to 18 wt.-% organic solvent.

[0050] Preferred organic solvents are selected from the group ethanol, n-propanol, i-propanol, butanols, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerol, diglycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether,

[0051] Propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, di-n-octyl ether and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group propanediol, glycerin and mixtures thereof.

[0052] The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent is preferably a low-water mixture. Preference is given to detergents that contain less than 18% by weight, preferably less than 15% by weight, of water based on their total weight.

[0053] In summary, the process according to the invention is advantageous for liquid, surfactant-containing detergents which, based on their total weight, contain i) 20 to 80 wt.% surfactant including 20 to 50 wt.% anionic surfactant; ii) 4 to 12 wt.% fatty acid; iii) 0.5 to 4 wt.% salt of a divalent metallic cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt.% solvent.

[0054] The composition of some of the preferred liquid detergents containing surfactants can be found in the following tables (data in wt.% based on the total weight of the detergent unless otherwise stated).

[0055] preferably Cs-12-alkylbenzenesulfonates

[0056] In a further technically advantageous variant of the process according to the invention, the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, preferably 12 to 30 wt.%, preferably 15 to 25 wt.% non-ionic surfactant.

[0057] Preferred nonionic surfactants are selected from the group of ethoxylated primary Cs-18 alcohols, preferably ethoxylated primary Cs-18 alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation > 4, particularly preferably Cs-12-14 alcohols with 4 EO or 7 EO, Cs-n alcohols with 7 EO, Cs-13-15 alcohols with 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO, Cs-13-15 oxo alcohols with 7 EO, Cs-12-18 alcohols with 5 EO or 7 EO, in particular Cs-12-18 fatty alcohols with 7 EO or Cs-13-15 oxo alcohols with 7 EO.

[0058] With regard to the rheological properties of the detergent and its processability, it has proven advantageous to use anionic surfactant and non-ionic surfactant in a weight ratio of 3:1 to 1:2, preferably 2:1 to 1:1.5 and in particular 1.4:1 to 1:1.

[0059] It has proven particularly advantageous from an industrial perspective to supplement the previously described surfactant system of anionic and nonionic surfactant with another cosurfactant. The weight fraction of the cosurfactant in the total weight of the flowable detergent preparation is preferably 0.5 to 5 wt.%. For the purposes of this application, the cosurfactants are not included in the surfactants described above. Preferred co-surfactants are selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cs fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3, aliphatic Cs-Cs alcohols, aromatic Cs-Cs alcohols, aliphatic Cs-Cs dialcohols, monoglycerides of Cs-Cs fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of Cs-Cs fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cs fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3.

[0060] The co-surfactant is preferably added to the liquid composition at the same time as the inorganic salt of a divalent cation. It is preferred from a process engineering perspective if, in step b), a non-ionic co-surfactant from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cs fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation of <3, aliphatic Cs-Ci4 alcohols, aromatic Cs-Ci8 alcohols, aliphatic Cs-Ci2 dialcohols, monoglycerides of Cs-Ci8 fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of Cs-Cs fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cs fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation of <3, is continuously introduced into the main line via a secondary line, and the outlet opening of the secondary line is preferably located within the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

[0061] In an alternative process, the co-surfactant is introduced into the liquid composition before the salt of an organic salt of a divalent cation.

[0062] In summary, a second particularly preferred embodiment of the process is characterized in that the liquid surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, i) 20 to 50 wt.% anionic surfactant and 12 to 30 wt.% non-ionic surfactant; ii) 4 to 12 wt.% fatty acid; iii) 0.5 to 4 wt.% salt of a divalent metallic cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt.% solvent vi) 0.5 to 5 wt.% of a co-surfactant different from the non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cis fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3, aliphatic Ce-Ci4 alcohols, aromatic Ce-Ci4 alcohols, aliphatic Ce-Ci2 dialcohols, monoglycerides of Cs-Cis fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of Cs-Cis fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cis fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3.

[0063] The composition of some other particularly preferred liquid detergents can be found in the following tables (data in wt.% based on the total weight of the detergent unless otherwise stated).

[0064] preferably Cs-18-alkylbenzenesulfonates, a co-surfactant different from the non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cs fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3, aliphatic Cs-Ci4 alcohols, aromatic Cs-Ci4 alcohols, aliphatic C6-C12 dialcohols, monoglycerides of Cs-Ci8 fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of Cs-Cis fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cis fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3

[0065] Following step e), the second product stage preferably has a viscosity (20°C, Brookfield Viscometer Model DV2T, spindle no. 31, 12 rpm) of 400 to 2000 mPas, preferably of 1000 to 1700 mPas.

[0066] The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent is preferably in the form of a structured system. The main types of structured systems used in practice are based on dispersed lamellar, spherulitic, and weakly lamellar phases. The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent preferably contains a spherulitic phase. Spherulitic phases comprise spherical bodies, commonly referred to in the art as spherulites, in which surfactant bilayers are arranged as concentric shells. The spherulites are dispersed in an aqueous phase in the manner of a classic emulsion and interact to form a structured system. Preferred second product stages following step e) have lamellar spherulites, preferably with a maximum diameter of 10 to 100 pm, particularly preferably with a maximum diameter of 25 to 50 pm.

[0067] Following step e), the second product stage preferably further has a yield point (TA Instruments rotational rheometer AR 2000, 20°C, 40 mm parallel plate, Peltier plate steel) above 0.1 Pa, preferably above 0.3 Pa.

[0068] The rheological properties of the liquid detergent justify its efficient processability in the process according to the invention and also form the basis of its advantageous optical properties, including its cloudy white appearance.

[0069] The nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU) is often used as a measure of transparency. It is a unit used in water treatment, for example, for turbidity measurements in liquids. It is the unit of turbidity measured with a calibrated nephelometer. High NTU values ​​are measured for turbid compositions, whereas low values ​​are determined for clear compositions.

[0070] The HACH Turbidimeter 2100Q from the Hach Company, Loveland, Colorado (USA), is used for this purpose, using the calibration substances StabICal Solution HACH (20 NTU), StabICal Solution HACH (100 NTU), and StabICal Solution HACH (800 NTU), all of which can also be ordered from the Hach Company. The measurement is carried out in a 10 ml measuring cuvette with a cap filled with the composition to be analyzed, and the measurement is carried out at 20 °C.

[0071] At an NTU value (at 20°C) of 60 or more, shaped bodies exhibit a perceptible turbidity within the meaning of the invention, visible to the naked eye. The turbidity (HACH Turbidimeter 2100Q, 20°C, 10 ml cuvette) of the second product stage following step e) is preferably above 60 NTU, more preferably above 100 NTU, and especially above 400 NTU.

[0072] The liquid detergent is preferably free of organic opacifiers. "Free of," as used in this context, means that the corresponding component is present in the preparation in an amount of <1 wt.%, preferably <0.1 wt.%, more preferably <0.01 wt.%. In particular, such a component is then not intentionally added. The liquid surfactant-containing detergent preferably contains, in particular, no styrene-acrylate copolymers (INCI: Styrene / Acrylates Copolymer).

[0073] The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent produced according to the invention may be free of enzymes and / or fragrances. These ingredients are not included, in particular, because they can adversely affect the turbidity and thus the appearance of the formulation.

[0074] For example, liquid detergents which, based on their total weight, contain less than 2% by weight, less than 1% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight and in particular no enzyme preparation are preferred.

[0075] Also preferred are liquid detergents which, based on their total weight, contain less than 2% by weight, preferably less than 1% by weight, particularly preferably less than 0.1% by weight and in particular no fragrance.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment, the liquid detergent contains at least one optical brightener, preferably a stilbene-type optical brightener. This is present in the liquid detergent, based on its total weight, in an amount above 0 wt.%, but preferably in an amount below 1 wt.%, particularly preferably in an amount below 0.6 wt.%. Stilbene-type brighteners for use in the liquid detergent are preferably selected from the group consisting of triazinyl derivatives of 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-stilbenesulfonic acid. The economically most important stilbene derivatives are DAS1 (disodium 4,4-bis[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]stilbene-2,2-disulfonate) and DSBP (disodium 4,4-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl).

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent may comprise at least one red, blue, or violet dye. This dye is present in the liquid detergent, based on its total weight, in an amount above 0 wt.%, but preferably in an amount below 0.1 wt.%, particularly preferably below 0.02 wt.%, for example, between 0.001 and 0.01 wt.%. Such a dye serves, for example, the purpose of masking a possible yellowish tint in the preparation.

[0078] Suitable dyes include dyes, dye-clay conjugates, pigments, and photobleaching agents. Suitable dyes include low-molecular-weight dyes and polymer dyes.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the dye is selected from the group of low-molecular-weight dyes. Suitable low-molecular-weight dyes include dyes that fall into the color index (CI) classifications Direct Blue, Direct Red, Direct Violet, Acid Blue, Acid Red, Acid Violet, Basic Blue, Basic Red, and Basic Violet.Beispielhafte niedermolekulare Farbstoffe sind Direct Violet 9, Direct Violet 35, Direct Violet 48, Direct Violet 51 , Direct Violet 66, Direct Violet 99, Direct Blue 1 , Direct Blue 71 , Direct Blue 80, Direct Blue 279, Acid Red 17, Acid Red 73, Acid Red 88, Acid Red 150, Acid Violet 15, Acid Violet 17, Acid Violet 24, Acid Violet 43, Acid Red 52, Acid Violet 49, Acid Blue 15, Acid Blue 17, Acid Blue 25, Acid Blue 29, Acid Blue 40, Acid Blue 45, Acid Blue 75, Acid Blue 80, Acid Blue 83, Acid Blue 90 und Acid Blue 113, Acid Black 1 , Basic Violet 1 , Basic Violet 3, Basic Violet 4, Basic Violet 10, Violet 35, Basic Blue 3, Basic Blue 16, Basic Blue 22, Basic Blue 47, Basic Blue 66, Basic Blue 75, Basic Blue 159 und Mischungen davon.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the dye is selected from the group of polymeric dyes. Suitable polymeric dyes include conjugated chromogens (dye-polymer conjugates) and polymers in which chromogens are polymerized into their backbone. These polymeric dyes include, for example, dyes commercially available under the name Liquitint®, such as Liquitint® Violet CT, CMC-conjugated Cl Reactive Blue 19 with the product name AZO-CM-Cellulose, alkoxylated polymeric triphenylmethane dyes, or alkoxylated polymeric thiphene dyes.

[0081] In a further alternative embodiment, a dye-clay conjugate is used as the dye. The group of these dyes includes, among others, conjugates of smectite clay or montmorillonite clay or hectorite clay or saponite clay with a cationic / basic dye from the group Cl Basic Yellow 1 to 108, Cl Basic Orange 1 to 69, Cl Basic Red 1 to 118, Cl Basic Violet 1 to 51, Cl Basic Blue 1 to 164, Cl Basic Green 1 to 14, Cl Basic Brown 1 to 23, CI Basic Black 1 to 11. In particular, this group of dyes includes Montmorillonite Basic Blue B7 Cl 42595 conjugate, Montmorillonite Basic Blue B9 Cl 52015 conjugate, Montmorillonite Basic Violet V3 Cl 42555 conjugate, Montmorillonite Basic Green G1 Cl 42040 conjugate, Montmorillonite Basic Red R1 Cl 45160 conjugate, Montmorillonite Cl Basic Black 2 conjugate, Hectorite Basic Blue B7 Cl 42595 conjugate, Hectorite Basic Blue B9 Cl 52015 conjugate, Hectorite Basic Violet V3 Cl42555 conjugate, Hectorit Basic Green G1 Cl 42040 conjugate, Hectorit Basic Red R1 Cl 45160 conjugate, Hectorit Cl Basic Black 2 conjugate, Saponit Basic Blue B7 Cl 42595 conjugate, Saponit Basic Blue B9 Cl 52015 conjugate, Saponit Basic Violet V3 Cl 42555 conjugate, Saponit Basic Green G1 Cl 42040 conjugate, Saponit Basic Red R1 Cl 45160 conjugate, Saponit Cl Basic Black 2 conjugate and mixtures thereof.

[0082] Another group of alternative dyes are pigments, in particular pigments selected from the group flavanthrone, indanthrone, chlorinated indanthrone with 1 to 4 chlorine atoms, pyranthrone, dichlorpyranthrone, monobromodichloropyranthrone, dibromodichloropyranthrone, tetrabromopyranthrone, ultramarine blue (Cl Pigment Blue 29) and ultramarine violet (Cl Pigment Violet 15).

[0083] The use of dyes from the group of photobleaching agents, especially photobleaching agents from the group of phthalocyaninesulfonates, has proven particularly advantageous from a technical perspective. Suitable photobleaching agents include aluminum phthalocyaninesulfonate or zinc phthalocyaninesulfonate, or mixtures thereof, as commercially available under the name Tinolux®.

[0084] In a preferred process variant, the liquid surfactant-containing detergent is enclosed in a water-soluble film following step e) or step f) to form a detergent portion unit.

[0085] It is preferred to form the water-soluble film in a deep-drawing apparatus and to combine it with the liquid detergent to form a detergent portion unit.

[0086] The water-soluble film in which the liquid detergent is packaged can comprise one or more structurally different water-soluble polymers. Particularly suitable water-soluble polymers are polymers from the group of (optionally acetalized) polyvinyl alcohols (PVAL) and their copolymers.

[0087] Water-soluble films for producing the water-soluble coating are preferably based on a polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer whose molecular weight is in the range of 10,000 to 1,000,000 gmol -1 , preferably from 20,000 to 500,000 gmol -1 , particularly preferably from 30,000 to 100,000 gmol -1 and especially from 40,000 to 80,000 gmol -1 lies.

[0088] The production of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers generally involves the hydrolysis of intermediate polyvinyl acetate. Preferred polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers have a degree of hydrolysis of 70 to 100 mol%, preferably 80 to 90 mol%, particularly preferably 81 to 89 mol%, and especially 82 to 88 mol%.

[0089] Preferred polyvinyl alcohol copolymers comprise, in addition to vinyl alcohol, an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, its salt, or its ester. Particularly preferably, such polyvinyl alcohol copolymers contain, in addition to vinyl alcohol, sulfonic acids such as 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic esters, methacrylic esters, or mixtures thereof; among the esters, C 1-4 alkyl esters or hydroxyalkyl esters are preferred. Other suitable monomers include ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, for example, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0090] Suitable water-soluble films are marketed, for example, by MonoSol LLC under the designations M8630, M8720, M8310, C8400, or M8900. Other suitable films include films named Solublon® PT, Solublon® GA, Solublon® KC, or Solublon® KL from Aicello Chemical Europe GmbH, or the VF-HP films from Kuraray. The water-soluble films can contain additional active ingredients or fillers, as well as plasticizers and / or solvents, especially water.

[0091] The group of other active ingredients includes, for example, materials that protect the ingredients of preparation (A) enclosed in the film material from decomposition or deactivation by light exposure. Antioxidants, UV absorbers, and fluorescent dyes have proven particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0092] Plasticizers that can be used include, for example, glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, sorbitol or mixtures thereof.

[0093] To reduce its coefficient of friction, the surface of the water-soluble film can optionally be dusted with fine powder. Sodium aluminosilicate, silicon dioxide, talc, and amylose are examples of suitable powdering agents.

[0094] It is particularly preferred to enclose the liquid surfactant-containing detergent in a water-soluble film following step c) to form a detergent portion unit with a plurality of receiving chambers.

[0095] The multiple receiving chambers of the detergent portion unit can be arranged spatially adjacent to one another or stacked one above the other. While the method according to the invention can fundamentally be used to produce both configurations, the technical advantages of the method according to the invention are particularly noticeable in the production of detergent portion units with adjacently arranged receiving chambers. On the one hand, the specific rheological properties of the liquid detergent allow rapid and drip-free dosing even into the smallest cavities; on the other hand, the horizontal arrangement of the receiving chambers increases the perceptibility of the liquid detergent.

[0096] These technical advantages are particularly evident in processes in which detergent portion units are produced with receiving chambers that at least partially enclose one another. In preferred embodiments of the process, the detergent portion unit has at least two receiving chambers that at least partially enclose one another. It is also particularly preferred if the detergent portion unit has at least one additional receiving chamber filled with a colored detergent preparation.

[0097] An exemplary preferred detergent portion unit that can be produced by means of the method according to the invention has at least two receiving chambers that are surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein one receiving chamber is filled with the liquid surfactant-containing detergent and the other receiving chamber is filled with a second colored detergent that is different from the liquid surfactant-containing detergent.

[0098] Another exemplary preferred detergent portion unit comprises at least three receiving chambers which are surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein one receiving chamber is filled with the liquid surfactant-containing detergent and at least two further receiving chambers are filled separately with a second and a third detergent which is different from one another and from the liquid surfactant-containing detergent.

[0099] In an alternative embodiment, the detergent portion unit has at least four receiving chambers which are surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein one receiving chamber is filled with the liquid surfactant-containing detergent and the other three receiving chambers are filled separately from one another with a second and a third and a fourth colored detergent which are different from one another and from the first liquid surfactant-containing detergent.

[0100] This registration provides, among other things, the following items:

[0101] 1. A process for producing a liquid, surfactant-containing detergent containing i) 20 to 80 wt.% surfactant; ii) 2 to 15 wt.% fatty acid; iii) 0.3 to 8 wt.% salt of a divalent cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt.% solvent; comprising the steps of: a) providing a first liquid composition containing surfactant, fatty acid and solvent and introducing the first liquid composition into a main line; b) introducing the salt of a divalent cation into the liquid composition to form a salt-containing composition; c) mixing the salt-containing composition by means of a first dynamic mixer to form a first product stage; d) intermediate storage of the first product stage in an intermediate storage container; e) mixing the intermediately stored first product stage in a second dynamic mixer to form a second product stage.

[0102] 2. The method according to item 1, wherein the first liquid composition is provided discontinuously. 3. The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first liquid composition is continuously introduced from a buffer tank into a main line.

[0103] 4. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the salt of a divalent cation in step b) is selected from the group of inorganic salts.

[0104] 5. The method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the salt of a divalent cation in step b) is introduced into the liquid composition in the form of an aqueous solution and the salt is selected from the group of inorganic salts of divalent metallic cations, in particular magnesium and calcium salts, preferably from the group magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride and calcium sulfate, in particular from the group magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, very particularly preferably calcium chloride.

[0105] 6. The process according to item 5, wherein the inorganic salt of a divalent cation in step b) is introduced into the liquid composition in the form of an alkaline aqueous solution.

[0106] 7. The process according to any one of items 5 or 6, wherein the aqueous solution of the inorganic salt of a divalent cation has a salt concentration of 200 to 800 g / l, preferably of 250 to 600 g / l.

[0107] 8. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the salt of a divalent cation in step b) is selected from the group of organic salts.

[0108] 9. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the salt of a divalent cation is introduced into the liquid composition in step b) in the form of a dispersion and the salt is selected from the group of organic salts of divalent metallic cations, in particular magnesium and calcium salts, preferably from the group of fatty acid salts of magnesium and calcium, in particular fatty acid salts of calcium.

[0109] 10. Process according to item 9, wherein the salt of the divalent cation is selected from the group of calcium salts of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures thereof, in particular from the group of calcium stearates.

[0110] 11. The process according to any one of items 9 or 10, wherein the organic salt of a divalent cation is introduced into the liquid composition in step b) in the form of an alkaline aqueous dispersion. 12. The process according to any one of items 9 to 11, wherein the dispersion of the organic salt of a divalent cation has a salt concentration of 200 to 800 g / l, preferably of 250 to 600 g / l.

[0111] 13. A process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the salt of a divalent cation in step b) comprises inorganic salt and organic salt, preferably calcium chloride and calcium stearate.

[0112] 14. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the salt of a divalent cation in step b) is continuously introduced into the main line via a secondary line and the outlet opening of the secondary line is preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

[0113] 15. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the salt of a divalent cation comprises inorganic salt of a divalent cation and organic salt of a divalent cation and the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation in step b) are continuously introduced into the main line via separate secondary lines and the outlet opening of the secondary lines are preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

[0114] 16. The method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the salt of a divalent cation comprises an inorganic salt of a divalent cation and an organic salt of a divalent cation, and the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation are introduced simultaneously into the main line in step b) via separate secondary lines, and the outlet openings of the secondary lines are preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

[0115] 17. The method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the salt of a divalent cation comprises inorganic salt of a divalent cation and organic salt of a divalent cation and the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation in step b) are continuously introduced into the main line as a mixture via a secondary line and the outlet opening of the secondary line is preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

[0116] 18. The process according to any one of points 13 to 17, wherein the molar ratio of the salt introduced in step b) in the form of an inorganic salt of a divalent cation to the salt introduced in step b) in the form of an organic salt of a divalent cation is 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 1:6 to 6:1 and in particular 1:3 to 3:1. 19. The process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the mixing of the salt-containing

[0117] Composition in step c) takes place continuously.

[0118] 20. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the mixing of the salt-containing

[0119] Composition in step c) for a period of 0.5 to 20 seconds, preferably 2 to 12 seconds.

[0120] 21. A method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the mixing of the salt-containing composition in step c) is carried out with an energy input of 600 to 2000 kW / m 3 , preferably from 900 to 1400 kW / m 3 occurs.

[0121] 22. A process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the mixing of the salt-containing composition in step c) is carried out at a shear rate of 2000 to 12000 s -1 , preferably from 6000 to 9000 s -1 occurs.

[0122] 23. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the intermediate storage in step d) takes place for a period of 0.1 to 50 hours, preferably 3 to 25 hours.

[0123] 24. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first product stage has a temperature of 15 to 30 °C, preferably 18 to 25 °C, during the intermediate storage in step d).

[0124] 25. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first product stage is stirred during the intermediate storage in step d).

[0125] 26. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the mixing of the intermediately stored first product stage in step e) takes place continuously.

[0126] 27. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the mixing of the intermediately stored first product stage in step e) takes place for a period of time of 0.5 to 20 seconds, preferably of 2 to 12 seconds.

[0127] 28. A process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the mixing of the intermediately stored first product stage in step e) is carried out with an energy input of 600 to 2000 kW / m 3 , preferably from 900 to 1400 kW / m 3 occurs.

[0128] 29. A process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the mixing of the intermediate first product stage in step e) is carried out at a shear rate of 2000 to 12000 s -1 , preferably from 6000 to 9000 s -1 30. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein no further ingredient is subsequently added to the second product stage obtained in process step e).

[0129] 31. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the second product stage is stored in a further step f) following step e).

[0130] 32. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the second product stage is stored following step e) in a further step f) for a period of more than 0.5 hours, preferably more than 6 hours and in particular more than 24 hours.

[0131] 33. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the second product stage is stored following step e) in a further step f) for a period of less than 120 hours, preferably less than 24 hours and in particular less than 2 hours.

[0132] 34. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the second product stage is stored in a further step f) following step e) and the second product stage has a temperature of 18 to 29°C and in particular of 20 to 24°C during storage.

[0133] 35. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the second product stage following step e) has a viscosity (20°C, Brookfield Viscometer Model DV2T, spindle no. 31, 12 rpm) of 400 to 2000 mPas, preferably of 1000 to 1700 mPas.

[0134] 36. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the second product stage following step e) has a yield point (TA Instruments rotational rheometer AR 2000, 20°C, 40 mm parallel plate, Peltier plate Steel) above 0.1 Pa, preferably above 0.3 Pa.

[0135] 37. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the second product stage following step e) has a turbidity (HACH Turbidimeter 2100Q, 20°C, 10 ml cuvette) above 60 NTU, preferably above 100 NTU and in particular above 400 NTU.

[0136] 38. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the second product stage following step e) contains lamellar spherulites, preferably with a maximum diameter of 10 to 100 pm, particularly preferably with a maximum diameter of 25 to 50 pm.

[0137] 39. The process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, 30 to 75 wt.%, preferably 40 to 70 wt.% of surfactant. 40. The process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, 20 to 60 wt.%, preferably 25 to 50 wt.% of anionic surfactant.

[0138] 41. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein at least one anionic surfactant, preferably at least one anionic surfactant from the group consisting of Cs-18 alkylbenzenesulfonates, Cs-18 olefinsulfonates, Cs-18 alkanesulfonates, Cs-18 estersulfonates, Cs-18 alkylsulfates, Cs-18 alkenylsulfates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates, in particular at least one anionic surfactant from the group of Cs-18 alkylbenzenesulfonates, is present as surfactant.

[0139] 42. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, 4 to 12% by weight, preferably 6 to 10% by weight, of fatty acid.

[0140] 43. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures thereof.

[0141] 44. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, 0.4 to 6 wt.%, preferably 0.5 to 4 wt.% of salt of a divalent cation.

[0142] 45. A process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, i) 20 to 80 wt% surfactant including 20 to 50 wt% anionic surfactant; ii) 4 to 12 wt% fatty acid; iii) 0.5 to 4 wt% salt of a divalent metallic cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt% solvent.

[0143] 46. ​​Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, 12 to 32% by weight, preferably 15 to 30% by weight, of solvent.

[0144] 47. Process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, 7 to 20 wt.%, preferably 10 to 18 wt.%, of organic solvent. 48.Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the organic solvent is selected from the group ethanol, n-propanol, i-propanol, butanols, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerol, diglycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, Di-n-octyl ethers and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of propanediol, glycerin and mixtures thereof.

[0145] 49. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, less than 18% by weight, preferably less than 15% by weight, of water.

[0146] 50. Process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent comprises, based on its total weight, 12 to 30 wt.%, preferably 15 to 25 wt.%, of non-ionic surfactant.

[0147] 51 . Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant present is at least one non-ionic surfactant from the group of ethoxylated primary Cs-18 alcohols, preferably the ethoxylated primary Cs-18 alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation > 4, particularly preferably the Cs-12-14 alcohols with 4 EO or 7 EO, the Cs-n alcohols with 7 EO, the Cs-alcohols with 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO, the Cs-13-15 oxo alcohols with 7 EO, the Cs-12-18 alcohols with 5 EO or 7 EO, in particular the Cs-12-18 fatty alcohols with 7 EO or the Cs-18 oxo alcohols with 7 EO.

[0148] 52. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein in step b) a non-ionic co-surfactant from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cis fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3, aliphatic Cs-Ci4 alcohols, aromatic Cs-Cw alcohols, aliphatic C6-Ci2 dialcohols, monoglycerides of C12-Cis fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of Cs-Cis fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cis fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3 is introduced.

[0149] 53. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein in step b) a non-ionic co-surfactant from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cis fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3, aliphatic Cs-Ci4 alcohols, aromatic Cs-Cw alcohols, aliphatic Cs-Ci2 dialcohols, monoglycerides of Cs-Ci2 fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of Cs-Cis fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cis fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3 is continuously introduced into the main line via a secondary line and the outlet opening of the secondary line is preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

[0150] 54. Process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains anionic surfactant and non-ionic surfactant in a weight ratio of 3:1 to 1:2, preferably of 2:1 to 1:1.5 and in particular of 1.4:1 to 1:1.

[0151] 55. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent, based on its total weight, further contains vi) 0.5 to 5 wt.% of a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cs fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3, aliphatic Cs-Cs alcohols, aromatic Cs-Cs alcohols, aliphatic Cs-Cs dialcohols, monoglycerides of Cs-Cs fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of Cs-Cs fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cs fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3.

[0152] 56. A process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, i) 20 to 50% by weight of anionic surfactant and 12 to 30% by weight of non-ionic surfactant; ii) 4 to 12% by weight of fatty acid; iii) 0.5 to 4% by weight of salt of a divalent metallic cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt.% solvent vi) 0.5 to 5 wt.% of a co-surfactant different from the non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cis fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3, aliphatic Cs-Ci4 alcohols, aromatic Cs-Ci4 alcohols, aliphatic Cs-Ci2 dialcohols, monoglycerides of Cs-Cis fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of Cs-Cis fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated Cs-Cis fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation < 3.

[0153] 57. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein liquid, surfactant-containing detergents do not contain organic opacifiers, in particular no styrene-acrylate copolymer.

[0154] 58. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, a red, blue or violet dye in amounts below 0.1% by weight, preferably below 0.02% by weight.

[0155] 59. The method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the liquid surfactant-containing detergent is enclosed in a water-soluble film following step e) or step f) to form a detergent portion unit. 60. The method according to point 59, wherein the detergent portion unit has at least two receiving chambers surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein one receiving chamber is filled with the liquid surfactant-containing detergent and the other receiving chamber is filled with a second colored detergent different from the liquid surfactant-containing detergent.

[0156] 61. Method according to item 59, wherein the detergent portion unit has at least three receiving chambers which are surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein one receiving chamber is filled with the liquid surfactant-containing detergent and the other two receiving chambers are filled, separated from one another, with a second and a third detergent which is different from one another and from the liquid surfactant-containing detergent.

[0157] 62. The method according to item 59, wherein the detergent portion unit has at least four receiving chambers which are surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein one receiving chamber is filled with the liquid surfactant-containing detergent and the other three receiving chambers are filled separately from one another with a second and a third and a fourth colored detergent which are different from one another and from the first liquid surfactant-containing detergent.

[0158] Examples

[0159] A liquid, surfactant-containing detergent of the following composition was prepared by the process according to the invention.

[0160] Table 1

[0161] The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent is characterized by a stable viscosity (20°C, Brookfield Viscometer Model DV2T, spindle no. 31, 12 rpm) in the range of 1200 to 1440 mPas, even after storage at 22°C for a period of 120 hours. This temporally stable viscosity is achieved, compared to a conventional process, by the use of a second dynamic mixer in step e) of the process. Without the use of this second mixing process in process step e), the viscosity (20°C, Brookfield Viscometer Model DV2T, spindle no. 31, 12 rpm) of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent increases from an original 1300 to 1960 mPas over the course of 24 hours.

[0162] Detailed procedure description

[0163] The detergent composition described in Table 1 was prepared by the two processes V1 and V2 (according to the invention) described below:

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A process for producing a liquid, surfactant-containing detergent containing i) 20 to 80 wt.% surfactant; ii) 2 to 15 wt.% fatty acid; iii) 0.3 to 8 wt.% salt of a divalent cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt.% solvent; comprising the steps of: a) providing a first liquid composition containing surfactant, fatty acid and solvent and introducing the first liquid composition into a main line; b) introducing the salt of a divalent cation into the liquid composition to form a salt-containing composition; c) mixing the salt-containing composition by means of a first dynamic mixer to form a first product stage; d) intermediate storage of the first product stage in an intermediate storage container; e) mixing the intermediately stored first product stage in a second dynamic mixer to form a second product stage.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first liquid composition is continuously introduced from a buffer tank into a main line.

3. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt of a divalent cation in step b) is continuously introduced into the main line via a secondary line and the outlet opening of the secondary line is preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

4. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt of a divalent cation comprises inorganic salt of a divalent cation and organic salt of a divalent cation and the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation in step b) are continuously introduced into the main line via separate secondary lines and the outlet opening of the secondary lines are preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

5. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt of a divalent cation comprises an inorganic salt of a divalent cation and an organic salt of a divalent cation, and the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation are introduced simultaneously into the main line in step b) via separate secondary lines, and the outlet openings of the secondary lines are preferably located in the effective range of the first dynamic mixer.

6. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing of the salt-containing composition in step c) takes place continuously.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing of the salt-containing composition in step c) is carried out for a period of time from 0.5 to 20 seconds, preferably from 2 to 12 seconds.

8. A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing of the salt-containing composition in step c) is carried out with an energy input of 600 to 2000 kW / m 3 , preferably from 900 to 1400 kW / m 3 occurs.

9. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first product stage has a temperature of 15 to 30 °C, preferably 18 to 25 °C, during the intermediate storage in step d).

10. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first product stage is stirred during the intermediate storage in step d).

11. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing of the intermediately stored first product stage in step e) takes place continuously.

12. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing of the intermediately stored first product stage in step e) takes place for a period of time of 0.5 to 20 seconds, preferably of 2 to 12 seconds.

13. A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing of the intermediately stored first product stage in step e) is carried out with an energy input of 600 to 2000 kW / m 3 , preferably from 900 to 1400 kW / m 3 occurs.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second product stage is stored in a further step f) following step e), wherein the second product stage during storage preferably has a temperature of 18 to 29°C and in particular of 20 to 24°C 15. A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid surfactant-containing detergent is enclosed in a water-soluble film following step e) or step f) to form a detergent portion unit.

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