Surfactant Liquid Homogeneity via pH Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for producing surface-containing liquid cleaning agents face challenges in achieving homogeneous product quality with reduced solvent and energy input, often requiring high energy input or additional steps like solvent addition, which complicates the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A procedure for producing surfactant-containing liquid cleaning agents with a pH value of 7 to 8 and a weight proportion of TensID of 5 to 40%, involving the use of fatty alcohol ether sulfates and aminoxides/betaines, where the pH is adjusted outside the range of 7 to 8 before adding these components, and then adjusted back to 7 to 8 in the final step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high energy input is used to homogenize viscous mixtures, then homogeneous product quality is improved, but gas ingress into the mixture occurs and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the pH of the solvent system to above 10 before adding the fatty alcohol ether sulfate. This pre-adjustment of chemical conditions ensures that the surfactant components remain soluble and prevent gel formation during subsequent mixing, thereby achieving homogeneous product quality without requiring excessive mechanical energy input that would cause gas ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the pH value as a critical process parameter. By adjusting pH to above 10 in the initial solvent system and then adjusting it back to 7-8 after surfactant addition, the patent optimizes solubility conditions and prevents gel formation, achieving homogeneous mixing with reduced energy input and avoiding gas ingress issues.
2Manufacturing precision
If repeatedly adding solvents to the mixture batch is done to overcome viscosity issues, then homogenization is improved, but the manufacturing process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the pH of the solvent system to above 10 before adding the fatty alcohol ether sulfate. This pre-adjustment ensures optimal solubility conditions from the start, allowing for smooth homogenization without requiring repeated solvent additions, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining homogeneous product quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing the pH value as a key process parameter. By setting pH above 10 initially and then adjusting to 7-8 after surfactant addition, the patent achieves proper dissolution and homogeneity in a single batch process, eliminating the need for repeated solvent additions and process complications.
3Manufacturing precision
If high mechanical stress is applied to mix viscous mixtures, then homogenization is improved, but damage to friable components such as encapsulated active ingredients occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the pH of the solvent system to above 10 before adding the fatty alcohol ether sulfate. This pre-adjustment ensures that the mixture remains less viscous and easier to mix throughout the process, reducing the need for high mechanical stress that would damage encapsulated active ingredients, while still achieving homogeneous product quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing pH as a critical parameter. By maintaining pH above 10 during surfactant addition and then adjusting to 7-8, the patent controls mixture viscosity and facilitates gentle mixing, protecting the integrity of encapsulated active ingredients while achieving homogeneous distribution.
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
This process ensures a homogeneous product with a suitable viscosity for consumer dosage, achieved with reduced energy input and minimal dosing steps, without the need for additional thickeners or complex solvent additions.
Implementation Method 1
in step i) the pH is adjusted to values above 10 by adding an organic salt
Implementation Method 2
in step ii) amine oxide and/or betaine is added before adding the fatty alcohol ether sulfate
Implementation Method 3
Introducing the fatty alcohol ether sulfate into the solvent system with a pH outside the range of 7 to 8 and subsequent mixing
Implementation Method 4
iv) Adjusting the pH of the resulting mixture to a pH of 7 to 8
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the production of a surfactant-containing liquid detergent with a pH of 7 to 8 and a surfactant content of 5 to 40% by weight, comprising: a) at least one fatty alcohol ether sulfate; b) at least one amine oxide and/or a betaine, wherein the weight ratio of fatty alcohol ether sulfate to amine oxide/betaine is 3:2 to 10:1, comprising the successive steps of: i) providing a solvent system with a pH outside the range of 7 to 8; ii) introducing the fatty alcohol ether sulfate into the solvent system with a pH outside the range of 7 to 8 and subsequent mixing; iii) introducing further active substances and subsequent mixing; iv) adjusting the pH of the resulting mixture to a pH of 7 to 8.