Liquid Detergent Mixing Zones Prevent Opacifier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing liquid detergents face issues with the stability of opacifiers and perfume microcapsules, leading to the formation of white particles and aggregates that can clog pipes and affect product aesthetics and performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a vessel with specific mixing zones and energy inputs to disperse opacifiers and perfume microcapsules, preventing the formation of aggregates and ensuring stable liquid detergent products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If opacifiers are added to a base detergent composition comprising less than about 15% water, then the detergent composition achieves desired opacity and aesthetics, but white particles form during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-dispersing opacifiers in an aqueous phase before combining with the detergent base. The opacifier is first mixed with water to form a uniform aqueous dispersion, which is then added to the detergent base. This preliminary dispersion prevents direct contact between opacifier particles and the low-water detergent base, eliminating white particle formation while maintaining opacity.
2Reliability
If perfume microcapsules are added to the base detergent composition, then the detergent achieves desired fragrance performance, but the microcapsules agglomerate or self-associate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an aqueous phase as an intermediary medium to disperse perfume microcapsules. The microcapsules are first mixed with water to form a stable aqueous slurry, which acts as a mediator between the hydrophobic microcapsule surface and the detergent base. This intermediary aqueous phase prevents direct aggregation of microcapsules while maintaining their fragrance delivery capability.
3Reliability
If soil suspending polymers or structurants are added to the detergent base, then the detergent achieves desired soil suspension performance, but gel particles and gel balls form from agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-dissolving or pre-dispersing soil suspending polymers and structurants in the aqueous phase before adding to the detergent base. This preliminary action ensures complete dissolution and uniform distribution at low concentrations, preventing subsequent agglomeration into gel particles or gel balls while maintaining effective soil suspension performance.
4Reliability
If additives are added to low-water detergent base during conventional processing, then the detergent composition achieves desired functional properties, but particles accumulate and clog pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an aqueous phase as an intermediary vehicle to carry all additives (opacifiers, perfume microcapsules, soil suspending polymers, and structurants). This aqueous intermediary ensures that all additives are pre-dispersed and stabilized before contact with the detergent base, preventing particle accumulation and pipe clogging while maintaining all desired functional properties.
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 method effectively prevents the formation of white particles and aggregates, enhancing product stability, aesthetics, and performance by ensuring proper dispersion of additives.
Implementation Method 1
mixing an aqueous slurry comprising perfume microcapsules and the unstructured liquid detergent precursor in the microcapsule mixing zone
Implementation Method 2
adding a structurant to the combined microcapsule detergent downstream of the microcapsule mixing zone to form a liquid detergent product
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods for producing liquid detergent products using a vessel comprising an inlet, an outlet, an agitation device, and an additive mixing zone disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The method comprises introducing an unstructured liquid detergent precursor into the inlet of the vessel; mixing an additive and the unstructured liquid detergent precursor in an additive mixing zone to form a combined additive detergent; adding a structurant to the combined additive detergent downstream of the additive mixing zone to form a liquid detergent product. The liquid detergent products may be used in a water-soluble pouch, for e.g., a multi-compartment water-soluble pouch.