Surfactant Dosing Sequence for Gelation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incorporation of high concentrations of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) into detergent compositions is challenging due to its high viscosity, leading to gelation or clumping issues, which complicates manufacturing and reduces cleaning performance and aesthetics, especially in betaine-free systems using amine oxides.
Innovation Solution
Changing the dosing sequence to first add a solvent, followed by SLES, then amine oxide, and optionally additives, prevents surfactant gelling and allows for simpler mixing techniques, enabling efficient incorporation of SLES into detergent compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentrations of SLES are incorporated into detergent compositions, then cleaning performance is improved, but gelation or clumping occurs leading to aesthetic limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding SLES to the solvent before adding amine oxide. This specific dosing sequence prevents gelation and clumping by establishing the surfactant solution in a controlled manner before introducing the amine oxide component, thereby maintaining cleaning performance while avoiding aesthetic limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dosing sequence parameter from the conventional order (solvent, then amine oxide, then SLES) to a modified order (solvent, then SLES, then amine oxide). This parameter change in the addition sequence resolves the contradiction by preventing gelation while maintaining high SLES concentrations for effective cleaning performance
2Reliability
If high concentrations of SLES are incorporated into detergent compositions, then cleaning performance is improved, but special mixing equipment is required increasing investment and operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
By performing the preliminary action of adding SLES to solvent first and allowing it to dissolve completely before adding amine oxide, the patent enables the use of simple mixing equipment. The controlled dosing sequence prevents gelation that would otherwise require complex mixing devices, thereby reducing investment and operating costs while maintaining cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dosing sequence parameter to enable simple mixing techniques. This parameter modification allows standard mixing equipment to handle high SLES concentrations effectively, eliminating the need for specialized expensive equipment while achieving the desired cleaning performance
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional dosing sequence is used (solvent, then amine oxide, then SLES), then manufacturing is simplified, but surfactants gelate reducing cleaning performance and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the conventional dosing sequence. Instead of adding amine oxide before SLES, the patent adds SLES before amine oxide. This inverted sequence prevents gelation and maintains cleaning performance while preserving manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dosing sequence parameter from the conventional order to a modified order that prevents gelation. This parameter change maintains the simplicity of the manufacturing process while ensuring high cleaning performance by preventing surfactant gelation
4Device complexity
If simple stirring geometries are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but incorporation of large amounts of SLES without gelation or clumping is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding SLES to solvent first and allowing complete dissolution before introducing amine oxide. This sequence enables simple stirring geometries to effectively incorporate large amounts of SLES without gelation or clumping, as the surfactant is introduced in a controlled manner that prevents aggregation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dosing sequence parameter to enable effective mixing with simple stirring geometries. This parameter modification allows large amounts of SLES to be incorporated homogeneously without gelation or clumping, maintaining device simplicity while ensuring reliable surfactant incorporation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for producing surfactant-containing compositions for use as detergents and cleaning agents, comprising or consisting of the following steps: (a) placing at least one solvent in a container; then (b) adding at least one fatty alcohol ether sulfate; then (c) adding at least one amine oxide; and then optionally (d) adding at least one additive; wherein the components are optionally mixed after step (b) and/or (c) and/or (d). The invention further relates to a detergent and cleaning agent obtainable by the process according to the invention.