Liquid Detergent Production with Divalent Salt Mixing and Stable Rheology
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in producing ecologically acceptable white liquid detergents with improved optical and rheological properties suitable for packaging in water-soluble foil pouches, as traditional opacifiers are being phased out due to environmental concerns, and existing methods fail to achieve a homogeneous and visually appealing product efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A sequential process involving the preparation of a first liquid composition with surfactant, fatty acid, and solvent, followed by the introduction of divalent cations in the form of inorganic and organic salts, which are mixed to achieve a cloudy white appearance and stable viscosity, using a continuous or discontinuous method with specific mixing devices to ensure homogeneity and rheological stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional opacifiers are used to produce white liquid detergents, then the detergent achieves a white appearance, but ecological safety deteriorates due to environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using divalent cation salts (magnesium or calcium) in specific concentrations (0.1-10 g/L) instead of traditional opacifiers. This parameter substitution maintains the light-scattering white appearance while eliminating harmful ecological effects of conventional opacifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available, biodegradable divalent cation salts (magnesium chloride, calcium sulfate, etc.) that are environmentally benign and can be easily degraded in the environment, replacing persistent and harmful traditional opacifiers with eco-friendly alternatives.
2Illumination intensity
If divalent cation salts are added to achieve cloudy white appearance, then optical properties improve, but rheological stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of divalent cation salts within a specific range (0.1-10 g/L, preferably 0.5-5 g/L) to achieve the desired cloudy white appearance while maintaining rheological stability. This precise parameter control prevents both under-opacification and over-stabilization that could harm flow properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite salt systems combining different divalent cation salts (magnesium and calcium salts) to achieve synergistic effects. The combination provides sufficient light scattering for white appearance while the different ionic compositions work together to maintain stable rheological properties and prevent precipitation.
3Manufacturing precision
If sequential mixing process is used to ensure homogeneity, then product quality improves, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary preparation of the liquid detergent composition by pre-mixing surfactants, solvents, and other ingredients before adding the divalent cation salts. This preliminary action ensures that the base composition is homogeneous before the final opacification step, reducing the total mixing time required while maintaining product uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the mixing process into sequential stages: first mixing the liquid detergent base components, then separately adding and mixing the divalent cation salt solution. This segmentation allows each mixing step to be optimized independently, ensuring homogeneity at each stage while minimizing total process time.
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 process results in a liquid detergent with a cloudy white appearance, high viscosity, and stable rheological properties, suitable for packaging in water-soluble pouches, enhancing consumer appeal and process efficiency while avoiding the use of harmful opacifiers.
Implementation Method 1
Introducing a divalent cation into the liquid composition, wherein the divalent cation is introduced into the liquid composition in the form of both an inorganic salt and an organic salt, thereby forming a salt-containing composition
Implementation Method 2
The salt-containing composition is mixed to achieve a cloudy white appearance
Implementation Method 3
Mixing the salt-containing composition
Implementation Method 4
The process results in a liquid detergent with a cloudy white appearance, high viscosity, and stable rheological properties
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the production of a liquid, surfactant-containing detergent, comprising: 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; b) introducing a divalent cation into the liquid composition, wherein the divalent cation is introduced into the liquid composition in both the form of an inorganic salt and in the form of an organic salt, forming a salt-containing composition; c) mixing the salt-containing composition.