Method of making non-caustic solid cleaning compositions
AssigneeEcolab Inc.
InventorsRhonda Kay Schulz, Helmut K. Maier
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process for preparing a homogeneous, solid cleaning composition that comprises a cleaning agent, and optionally an additive agent and a hardening agent is provided. The compositions are processed in a continuous mixing system at high shear, at or below the melting temperature of the ingredients. Preferably, the ingredients are processed in an extruder, and the mixture is extruded directly into a mold or other packaging system for dispensing the cleaning composition. The consistency of the composition ranges from that of a fused block solid to a malleable article. The cleaning compositions are useful for warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, laundry detergents, conveyor lubricants, and the like.
Claims5
A method for preparing a solid detergent composition, the method comprising steps of:
- (a) mixing a fluid detergent composition in an extruder at shear sufficient to mix the fluid detergent composition having a viscosity of between 5,000 and 200,000 cps in a flowable consistency, the detergent composition comprising:
- (i) cleaning agent comprising at least one of anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, nonionic surfactant, and zwitterionic surfactant
- (ii) hardening agent comprising polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000;
- (iii) metal carbonate;
- and
- (iv) water at a concentration, based on the weight of the detergent composition, of between 1.0 wt. % and about 15 wt. %;
- and
- (b) solidifying the fluid detergent composition to a solid form at a time of between about 1 minute and about 3 hours to a solid form having a consistency of from a solid block to a malleable consistency.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.