Coloured Detergent Particles Using Bentonite Composite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coloured particles for detergents face issues such as high apparent density, slow dissolution in cold water, poor colour quality, high friability, and complex, costly production processes, which hinder their commercialization.
Innovation Solution
Development of fast-dissolving coloured particles composed of a mixture of sodium sulfate and bentonite with a low apparent density, achieved through a simplified three-phase production process involving mixing, metering of water and additives, and granulation, using an intensive mixer to produce particles with improved colour intensity and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If coloured particles are made using conventional processes with sodium sulfate and colouring agents, then colour intensity can be achieved, but apparent density becomes high (1.2 kg/l upwards) and dissolution becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sodium sulfate with bentonite (a clay material) to create a composite particle system. This composite structure allows the particles to maintain colour intensity while achieving lower apparent density (0.8-1.1 kg/l) and faster dissolution rates, particularly in cold water, thereby resolving the contradiction between colour quality and dissolution speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the compositional parameters by introducing bentonite into the particle system and optimizing the ratio of sodium sulfate to bentonite. This parameter change enables the particles to achieve both good colour intensity and fast dissolution, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-material particles.
2Illumination intensity
If coloured particles are made using conventional processes, then colour can be achieved, but apparent density increases to 1.2 kg/l or higher
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a composite of sodium sulfate and bentonite, the patent achieves a balanced apparent density (0.8-1.1 kg/l) that is lower than conventional particles while maintaining satisfactory colour intensity. The bentonite component contributes to reducing overall density without compromising colour quality.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional coloured particles are used, then colour can be achieved, but friability and crumbliness increase making commercialization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bentonite component in the composite provides structural benefits that reduce friability and crumbliness. The clay material acts as a binding agent that strengthens the particle structure, making them more suitable for commercialization while maintaining colour intensity.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional processes are used to produce coloured particles, then particles can be manufactured, but the process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single particle system by integrating sodium sulfate, bentonite, and colouring agents into one composite formulation. This merging approach simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs compared to conventional methods that require separate steps for particle formation and colouring.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite particle system performs multiple functions simultaneously: sodium sulfate provides detergent action, bentonite provides fabric softening and structural stability, and colouring agents provide visual distinction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate additives and simplifies the overall formulation and manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The new particles demonstrate faster dissolution, reduced apparent density, enhanced colour quality, and lower production costs, making them more suitable for the detergent industry with improved distribution and stability during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The said process involves the following steps: 1) Mixing of solids A and B. 2) Adding of water. 3) Granulating.
Data Source
AI summary
Coloured particles for detergents and the process for obtaining them, that is the subject matter of this invention, comprising coloured particles of bentonite for detergents, preferably of a light colour or white, as the binding agent, sodium sulfate, water as the binder and pigment or liquid dye as the colouring agent and employing a characteristic production process, which comprises a phase of mixing the solids, a phase of metering the water and/or additives and a granulating phase. The product presented affords the advantages being faster-dissolving, having a better apparent density, a better colouring quality and a lower cost. Its production process simplifies the equipment to be used and reduces the number of phases, resulting in a more efficient process and a product of greater quality and better characteristics.