ABSTRACT
This chapter pertains to the evolution of detergent making processes required for the manufacture of compact powders in marketplace. The transition to compact detergents also drove manufacturers with spray drying capacity to look into high density zeolite particles bound by polymers etc., to boost finished product density. One of the key raw materials for the spray drying process is the anionic surfactant paste. Falling film reactor technology provides a means to produce anionic surfactant paste with very low levels of sodium sulfate thus providing more formulation room. Production of high active surfactant stocks centers around the ability to neutralize, handle, store, and transport these stocks. Related to ultra high active surfactant stocks, maximum activity is constrained by high viscosities, and minimum water level coming in from the neutralization medium. The maximum loading is dependent on surfactant type, surfactant stock activity, and type of agglomeration powder.
