EP0641380B1 - Process for producing anionic tenside-containing washing and cleaning agents - Google Patents

Abstract

In the production of anionic tenside-containing washing and cleaning agents by granulation in a mixer into which a solid is inserted, undesired reaction heat, discoloration and softening of the mixture can occur if the solid is alkaline and an anionic tenside in acive form is added thereto. These drawbacks can be prevented by (a) the separate production of an anionic tenside-containing mixture which will flow and can be pumped at down to at least 20 C by the partial to complete neutralisation of one or more anionic tensides in their acid form with a basically acting inorganic or organic neutralising agent, (b) adding this anionic tenside-containing mixture to a solid or mixture of solids inserted in a mixer and (c) granulating the components to form a pourable granulate. With full neutralisation in step (a), an organic neutralising medium is added, with partial neutralisation in step (a), an inorganic or organic neutralising medium is added and the solid added in step (b) is, in the case of partial neutralisation in step (a), a basically acting solid or the solid mixture in step (b) contains one or more basically acting solids and the basically acting solid or solids are present at least in such quantities as to ensure the complete neutralisation of the anionic tensides in their acid form.

Description

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of anionic surfactant Detergents and cleaning agents as well as anionic surfactants and detergents and cleaning agents containing non-surfactant.

In the manufacture of synthetic, anionic surfactants, the surfactants often preserved in its acid form; these free acids are then in aqueous solution with aqueous neutralizing agents or dry neutralizing agents converted into their detergent salts. The watery Neutralization has the disadvantage that either the mixtures in general must first be dried in order to wash them in solid detergents and cleaning agents, which can be obtained by granulation or the finished granules have to be dried. More recently it has therefore been repeatedly suggested that the surfactants should be in their acid form an almost water-free neutralization through the use of solid alkaline Compounds, especially by sodium carbonate, in their wash-active Convince form. However, this creates a strong heat, which lead to discoloration of the surfactant, to an undesirable softening of the Mixing and can lead to sticking and caking. Therefore German patent application DE 22 03 552 suggests that during the Add the acid to an excess of a powdered neutralizing agent and the subsequent granulation in a mixer through a gas the mixture is blown, which is at least part of it through the neutralization resulting water transported from the reaction zone.

The European patent application EP 352 135, on the other hand, proposes a method before, the anionic surfactants in their acid form in a mixer with a alkaline solid, which is present in excess, are neutralized, with the alkaline solid placed in the mixer and the anionic surfactant is slowly added in acid form. During the neutralization reaction the temperature should not exceed 55 ° C. The warm tone of the However, in some cases the neutralization reaction is so strong that a normal cooling of the reactor jacket with water is not sufficient, but that the jacket must be cooled with liquid nitrogen in order to agglomerate and prevent clumping.

In the book by G. Jacobi and A. Löhr "Detergents and Textile Washing", VCH-Verlag (1987) on page 106 different powdered anionic surfactants Described detergents that can be produced by conventional methods. In the book by A.S. Davidsohn and B. Milwidsky "Synthetic Detergents", Longman Scientific & Technical (1987) is listed on pages 200-202 as one of the possible Manufacturing process for detergent granulation with the addition of liquid Described surfactant solutions for mixing solid components. A specific one Example relates to such a method with the addition of an aqueous solution of ABS-Na. About the pumpability of anionic surfactant solutions at low temperatures nothing said.

The task was to develop a simple process that the does not have the disadvantages mentioned.

(a) separates Herstellen einer aniontensidhaltigen Mischung, welche bis mindestens 20 °C fließ- und pumpfähig ist, durch teilweise Neutralisation eines oder mehrerer Aniontenside ihn ihrer Säureform mit einem basisch wirkenden, anorganischen oder organischen Neutralisationsmedium,

(b) Zugabe dieser aniontensidhaltigen Mischung zu einem in einem Mischer vorgelegten Feststoff oder einer Feststoffmischung und

(c) Granulierung der Bestandteile zu einem schütt- und rieselfähigen Granulat,

wobei im Schritt (a) ein anorganisches oder organisches Neutralisationsmedium eingesetzt wird und der vorgelegte Feststoff im Schritt (b) ein basisch wirkender Feststoff ist bzw. die Feststoffmischung im Schritt (b) einen oder mehrere basisch wirkende Feststoffe enthält und der basisch wirkende Feststoff bzw. die basisch wirkenden Feststoffe mindestens in den Mengen vorliegen, daß eine vollständige Neutralisation der Aniontenside in ihrer Säureform gewährleistet ist.The invention accordingly relates to a process for the preparation of detergents and cleaning agents containing anionic surfactants by granulation in a mixer, a solid being introduced into the mixer, characterized by

(a) separate preparation of a mixture containing anionic surfactants, which is flowable and pumpable up to at least 20 ° C., by partially neutralizing one or more anionic surfactants in their acid form with a basic, inorganic or organic neutralizing medium,

(b) adding this mixture containing anionic surfactants to a solid or mixture of solids placed in a mixer and

(c) granulating the constituents to give pourable and free-flowing granules,

wherein in step (a) an inorganic or organic neutralization medium is used and the solid in step (b) is a basic solid or the solid mixture in step (b) contains one or more basic solids and the basic solid or the basic solids are present in at least the amounts that ensure a complete neutralization of the anionic surfactants in their acid form.

The preparation of the anionic surfactant-containing mixture which Partial neutralization of the anionic surfactants in their acid form, can be done in conventional mixers or stirred tanks. As organic In principle, neutralization media come with all basic organic ones Substances, preferably the usual constituents of solid or liquid Detergents and cleaning agents are considered. With advantage liquid organic neutralization media used. Here the neutralization medium can be presented and the anionic surfactant in acid form or the anionic surfactants are added in acid form or vice versa. Preferred liquid organic neutralization media are amines, in particular Dimethylamine as well as mono-, di- and triethanolamine.

The known sulfonates and sulfates and soaps made from preferably natural fatty acids or fatty acid mixtures are suitable as anionic surfactants. In particular, the use of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with C ₈ -C ₁₈ chain lengths in the form of their mixtures and / or the α-sulfofatty acids of saturated C ₈ -C ₁₈ fatty acids is preferred. Mixtures of the fatty acids and α-sulfofatty acids mentioned with other sulfonic acids or alkylsulfuric acids, for example alkylbenzenesulfonic acids and fatty alkylsulfuric acids, can also be used with particular advantage. The mixing ratio between the liquid and organic neutralization medium provided and the anionic surfactants in their acid form, depending on the type of anionic surfactants used, is preferably to be determined in its acidic form in such a way that after the neutralization a liquid phase is obtained which is still between 5 and 20 ° C. , in particular between 8 and 15 ° C is flowable and pumpable. The flowability and pumpability of such mixtures is normally ensured in a viscosity range of the mixture at 1 to 200,000 mPas (20 ° C.).

In a further preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant-containing mixture in step (a) is first a mixture of manufactured ethoxylated nonionic and anionic surfactants in their acid form, wherein preferably the ethoxylated nonionic surfactants and the Anionic surfactants can be added in acid form.

The ethoxylated nonionic surfactants are derived from primary alcohols with preferably 9 to 18 carbon atoms and an average of 1 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, in which the alcohol radical can be linear or methyl-branched in the 2-position or can contain linear and methyl-branched radicals in the mixture , as they are usually present in oxo alcohol residues. In particular, linear residues of alcohols of native origin with 12 to 18 carbon atoms are preferred, such as. B. coconut oil, tallow fat or oleyl alcohol. The degrees of ethoxylation given represent statistical averages, which can be an integer or a fraction for a specific product. Preferred alcohol ethoxylates have a narrow homolog distribution (narrow range ethoxylates, NRE). In particular, alcohol ethoxylates are preferred which have an average of 2 to 8 ethylene oxide groups. The preferred ethoxylated alcohols include, for example, C ₉ -C ₁₁ oxo alcohol with 7 E0, C ₁₃ -C ₁₅ oxo alcohol with 3 EO, 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO and in particular C ₁₂ -C ₁₄ alcohols with 3 EO or 4 EO, C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ alcohols with 3 EO, 5 EO or 7 EO and mixtures thereof, such as mixtures of C ₁₂ -C ₁₄ alcohol with 3 EO and C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ alcohol with 5 EO.

Suitable anionic surfactants in their acid form are the above-mentioned fatty acids and sulfofatty acids as well as other sulfonic acids and alkyl sulfuric acids. Anionic surfactants in their acid form of the sulfonic acid type are alkylbenzenesulfonic acids (C ₉ -C ₁₅ alkyl), olefin sulfonic acids, ie mixtures of alkene and hydroxyalkanesulfonic acids as well as the sulfonic acids as obtained, for example, from C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ monoolefins with a terminal and internal double bond obtained by sulfonation with gaseous sulfur trioxide. Also suitable are the alkanesulfonic acids which are obtainable from C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ alkanes by sulfochlorination and sulfoxidation and by subsequent hydrolysis or by bisulfite addition to olefins, and in particular the esters of α-sulfofatty acids, e.g. B. the α-sulfonated methyl esters of hydrogenated coconut, palm kernel or tallow fatty acids. Suitable alkyl sulfuric acids are the sulfuric acid monoesters from primary alcohols of natural and synthetic origin, especially from fatty alcohols, e.g. B. coconut fatty alcohols, tallow fatty alcohols, oleyl alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, palmityl or stearyl alcohol, or the C ₁₀ -C ₂₀ oxo alcohols, and those secondary alcohols of this chain length. The sulfuric acid monoesters of the alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 6 mol of ethylene oxide, such as 2-methyl-branched C ₉ -C ₁₁ alcohols with an average of 3.5 mol of ethylene oxide, are also suitable. It is particularly preferred to use at least two of the anionic surfactants mentioned in their acid form, for example fatty acid and alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or fatty acid and sulfofatty acids of saturated and / or unsaturated fatty acids or sulfofatty acid alkyl esters of saturated and / or unsaturated fatty acids. It is particularly advantageous if the fatty acids are first added to the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant and then the further sulfonated anionic surfactants in their acid form.

This mixture of anionic surfactant in acid form and ethoxylated nonionic surfactants can be in a wide weight ratio, preferably in a weight ratio Anionic surfactant in acid form to ethoxylated nonionic surfactant of 1: 0.5 up to 1:30, in particular up to 1:20.

In a further preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant Mixture in step (a) by partially neutralizing a mixture one or more anionic surfactants in acid form and ethoxylated Nonionic surfactants with a solid or liquid, basic neutralizing medium manufactured. This involves the use of an inorganic neutralization medium prefers.

In particular, in the case of partial neutralization, a method is preferred in which an anionic surfactant-containing mixture is produced in step (a) is the 60 to 95 wt .-%, preferably 60 to 80 wt .-% anionic surfactant in Acid form and 5 to 40 wt.%, Preferably 20 to 40 wt.% Anionic surfactant, each based on the amount of anionic surfactant originally used in acid form, with the mixture containing anionic surfactants at temperatures between 5 and 20 ° C, especially between 8 and 15 ° C, still flowing and is pumpable.

The preferably inorganic neutralization medium can be in solid form or added to the mixture in the form of an aqueous solution. Solid sodium hydroxide is preferred as the inorganic neutralization medium or an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, especially one concentrated, 40 to 50 wt .-% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution used. The maximum usable water content depends on the type and amount of nonionic surfactant used. The water content should in any case be so low that no gelation occurs in step (a).

Also those containing anionic surfactants prepared according to this preferred embodiment Mixtures are preferably at temperatures between 5 and 20 ° C, especially between 8 and 15 ° C, flowable and pumpable.

If desired, the mixture containing anionic surfactants can contain additional solids, preferably before partial neutralization are added, and / or other liquid components before and added after partial neutralization, contain. Other suitable ingredients of the mixture containing anionic surfactants are, for example, optical brighteners, fragrances and others Small components that are commonly used in detergents become.

If desired or necessary to adjust the flow and pumpability, the mixture containing anionic surfactants can contain additional liquid components, which are common components of liquid or solid detergents and cleaning agents. In particular, lower, preferably monofunctional or multifunctional C ₁ -C ₄ alcohols such as ethanol, 1,2-propanediol, glycerol or mixtures thereof, but also alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers and polyethylene glycols with a relative molecular weight of preferably 200 to 2000 and in particular 200 up to 600.

The separately prepared mixture containing anionic surfactants is now in the crotch (b) in a commercial mixer, for example in a Lödige mixer or a Drais mixer, in which a solid or Solid mixture was submitted. The anionic surfactant is added Mixture for optimal distribution, preferably via nozzles. The However, addition can also be done manually, by pouring.

You can do it spray dried powder, granulated or agglomerated particles, however Powders can also be used by simply mixing the individual Powder ingredients can be obtained. Because of the partial neutralization however, it is the anionic surfactant in its acid form in step (a) required that the solid submitted in step (b) is basic is effective or the solid mixture at least one basic Contains solid.

The solid introduced into the mixer or the solid mixture preferably consists of at least one alkaline inorganic salt from the group alkali carbonate, alkali bicarbonate and alkali silicate with a molar ratio M ₂ O: SiO ₂ of 1: 1 to 1: 4.0, where M is preferably sodium or Potassium means. The alkaline salts are initially introduced in an amount which is greater than the amount required to neutralize the anionic surfactants which may still be present in their acid form. The use of the sodium salts of the inorganic solids is preferred, in particular the use of sodium carbonate or a mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium metasilicate and / or sodium silicate with a Na ₂ O: SiO ₂ molar ratio of 1: 1.9 to 1: 3.5.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step (b) submitted a solid mixture, the mixture alkali carbonate or a mixture of alkali carbonate and alkali silicate with a molar Ratio of 1: 1 to 1: 3.5 and optionally at least one further solid, for example from the group of builder substances such as phosphates, preferably sodium tripolyphosphate, and zeolites, preferably Zeolite NaA in detergent quality, or for example sulfate, but preferably contains such solids that also when adding a Partially neutralized mixture containing anionic surfactants obtained in step (a) experienced no chemical change. The latter group also belong some common solid organic components of detergents and cleaning agents, for example graying inhibitors such as anionic and / or nonionic cellulose derivatives, especially carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and / or methyl cellulose (MC), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) or Foam inhibitors such as silicones or paraffin oils on granular carriers and Fatty alkyl phosphoric acid esters.

In particular is the use of an alkaline solid mixture in step (b) is preferred, the 20 to 40% by weight, preferably 25 to 35% by weight Sodium carbonate, 30 to 40% by weight, preferably 32 to 40% by weight aqueous or anhydrous sodium metasilicate and 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 25 to 35% by weight sodium tripolyphosphate and / or zeolite, each based on the solid mixture.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention becomes only a part and advantageously only a part of the above solid mixture, about 30 to 70% by weight, preferably about 35 to 60% by weight of the total solids present in step (b).

The rest of the solids are only added after the addition of the anionic surfactants Mixture and after the complete neutralization of the, if necessary Anionic surfactants still present in their acid form are preferred added in portions in step (c). In particular, it is preferred the pourable and free-flowing material obtained by granulating the components, Granules not prone to sticking at the end of the granulation to powder part of the tripolyphosphate and / or the zeolite.

The separate preparation of the mixture containing anionic surfactants offers the advantage that part of those caused by neutralization Heat development in step (a) arises, so that the heat tone in Step (b) is lower, causing temperatures above 40 ° C, in particular above 36 ° C, can be avoided in the mixer. This can ensure that there are no clumping and sticking of the granules occur. At the same time, through the appropriate choice of organic liquid components the water content in the anionic surfactant Mixture should be kept so low that after the granulation no final Drying step is required.

The granules produced according to the invention are pourable and free-flowing, non-sticky, almost dust-free and can be used with liquid to pasty or oily components.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the granules according to the invention with nonionic surfactants are preferred with the above-mentioned nonionic surfactants.

Conventional granules of the prior art cannot or cannot immediately the amount of nonionic surfactants, which of the theoretical Absorbing capacity of the granules corresponds. They clump together already stick to a smaller amount and are then no longer processable. In some cases, a certain ripening time is sufficient to achieve the Restore processability of the granules and, if necessary, even Apply more amounts of nonionic surfactants until the theoretical absorption capacity the granules are reached.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that those produced according to the invention The amount of nonionic surfactants is directly applied to granules can be, which of the theoretical absorption capacity of the granules corresponds, whereby the processability of the granules does not impair becomes.

The granular detergents and cleaning agents that are produced by the invention Processes produced preferably contain up to 30% by weight, in particular 10 to 25 wt .-% of anionic and nonionic surfactants and 50 to 80 wt .-% of the presented in steps (b) and (c) or added solids such as sodium carbonate, sodium disilicate and / or Sodium metasilicate, tripolyphosphate and / or zeolite and optionally other solids such as carboxymethyl cellulose and fatty alkyl phosphoric acid esters. It contain detergents used in commercial laundries be, preferably up to 30 wt .-% and in particular 0 to 25 % By weight of zeolite, based on anhydrous substance. The share of ethoxylated nonionic surfactants in the finished granulate is approximately up to 20 % By weight, preferably 5 to 18% by weight and in particular more than 10% by weight. The proportion of the remaining ingredients including the non-chemical bound water is preferably at most 5% by weight, in particular 0 up to 3% by weight. If desired, other components, for example bleach, bleach activator or enzymes preferably in granular form can be added. The bulk density of the granules is in a known manner depending on the mixer and granulator used and the operating conditions of the mixer and granulator in general between 400 and 1300 g / l, preferably between 450 and 1100 g / l.

Examples Example 1 : Preparation of the mixtures containing anionic surfactants

a) 208 kg of isotridecyl alcohol with 8 EO were placed in a 300 l stirred kettle. To this end, 20 kg of C ₈ -C ₁₈ fatty acid and 57 kg of C ₁₂ alkylbenzenesulfonic acid were added with stirring. Then 3.5 kg of sodium hydroxide platelets were added. This resulted in a 34% neutralization of the anionic surfactants in their acid form.

b) A mixture was prepared as indicated under a), but with 7 kg of a 50 wt .-% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution instead of the solid Hydroxides.

Example 2 : Production of the dust-free granules

105 kg of sodium carbonate, 215 kg of sodium metasilicate (anhydrous), 6.5 kg of carboxymethyl cellulose and 10 kg of C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ fatty alkyl phosphoric acid ester were placed in a 1500 l ploughshare mixer from Lödige. 72 kg of the anionic surfactant-containing mixture prepared according to Example 1 a) or 72 kg of the anionic surfactant mixture prepared according to Example 1 b) were added to this mixture and the acid surfactants were mixed for 3 minutes until the anionic surfactants had completely neutralized. The temperature did not rise above 36 ° C. Then another 60 kg of sodium carbonate were added in 2 portions and finally 182 kg of sodium tripolyphosphate were added. It was granulated until a pourable and free-flowing, non-sticky and dust-free product was obtained. The bulk density of the granules 2 a) and 2 b) was in each case about 915 g / l.

Particle size distribution (sieve analysis) of the granulate 2 a) in% by weight (the distributions for the granulate 2 b) did not differ significantly from this): > 1.6 mm > 0.8 mm > 0.4 mm > 0.2 mm > 0.1 mm <0.1 mm 2.5 41.7 35.8 14.1 5.9 ---

The proportion of granules with a grain size smaller than 0.1 mm (dust proportion) was 0%.

3rd example: exposure to nonionic surfactants

The granules 2 a) were charged with 30 kg of C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohol with 5 EO. A dust-free and non-sticky granulate was obtained which had a more uniform grain spectrum than the granulate 2a).

Particle size distribution (sieve analysis) in% by weight: > 1.6 mm > 0.8 mm > 0.4 mm > 0.2 mm > 0.1 mm <0.1 mm 3.4 42.6 39.2 14.3 0.5 ---

Claims (15)

1. A process for the production of detergents containing anionic surfactants by granulation in a mixer, a solid being initially introduced into the mixer, characterized by

   (a) separate preparation of a mixture containing anionic surfactants, which is flowable and pumpable up to at least 20°C, by partial neutralization of one or more anionic surfactants in their acid form with a basic inorganic or organic neutralization medium,

   (b) addition of the mixture containing anionic surfactants to a solid or solid mixture previously introduced into a mixer and

   (c) granulation of the constituents to form pourable and free-flowing granules,

   an inorganic or organic neutralization medium being used in step (a) and the solid initially introduced in step (b) being a basic solid or the solid mixture in step (b) containing one or more basic solids and the basic solid or basic solids being present in at least such quantities that complete neutralization of the anionic surfactants in their acid form is guaranteed.
2. A process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the mixture containing anionic surfactants is prepared in step (a) by neutralization of one or more anionic surfactants in their acid form with a liquid, basic organic neutralization medium, preferably an amine, more particularly dimethylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or mixtures thereof.
3. A process as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the mixture containing anionic surfactants is prepared in step (a) by the neutralization of a natural C_8-18 fatty acid mixture with monoethanolamine or triethanolamine, the mixing ratio of anionic surfactant in acid form to mono- or triethanolamine having to be determined in such a way that a liquid phase which is still flowable and pumpable between 5 and 20°C and preferably between 8 and 15°C is obtained after neutralization of the anionic surfactant in its acid form.
4. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the preparation of the mixture containing anionic surfactants in step (a), a mixture of ethoxylated nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants in their acid form is initially prepared, the ethoxylated nonionic surfactants preferably being introduced first and the anionic surfactants in their acid form being added thereafter.
5. A process as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the mixture of anionic surfactants in their acid form and the ethoxylated nonionic surfactants is prepared in a ratio by weight of 1:0.5 to 1:30 and preferably in a ratio by weight of up to 1:20.
6. A process as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the mixture containing anionic surfactants is prepared in step (a) by partial neutralization of a mixture of one or more anionic surfactants in acid form and ethoxylated nonionic surfactants with a solid or liquid, basic inorganic neutralization medium.
7. A process as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that a mixture containing anionic surfactants, i.e. 60 to 95% by weight of anionic surfactant in acid form and 5 to 40% by weight of anionic surfactant, based on the quantity of the anionic surfactant in acid form originally used, is prepared in step (a), the mixture containing anionic surfactants being flowable and pumpable at temperatures of 5 to 20°C and preferably at temperatures of 8 to 15°C.
8. A process as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that solid sodium hydroxide or an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, preferably a concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, is used as the inorganic neutralization medium.
9. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one alkaline inorganic salt from the group consisting of alkali metal carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonate and alkali metal silicate with a molar ratio of M₂O to SiO₂ (M is preferably sodium or potassium) of 1:1 to 1:4.0 is used as the solid or as part of the solid mixture in step (b).
10. A process as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that an inorganic solid mixture is initially introduced in step (b), the mixture containing alkali metal carbonate or a mixture of alkali metal carbonate and alkali metal silicate in a molar ratio of 1:1 to 1:3.5 and optionally at least one other solid, for example a solid from the group of builders, such as phosphates, preferably sodium tripolyphosphates, and zeolite, or sulfate, preferably solids of the type which do not undergo any chemical change after the addition of a partly neutralized mixture containing anionic surfactants obtained in step (a).
11. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that only part, i.e. around 30 to 70% by weight and preferably around 35 to 60% by weight, of the total solids present is initially introduced in step (b), the remainder of the solids being added, preferably in portions, in step (c) after the complete neutralization of the anionic surfactants in acid form still present in step (b).
12. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the granules are impregnated with nonionic surfactants.
13. A process as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the granules are impregnated with the quantity of nonionic surfactants corresponding to the theoretical absorption capacity of the granules without any adverse effect on the processability of the granules.
14. A process claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a detergent is produced which contains up to 30% by weight and preferably 10 to 25% by weight of anionic and nonionic surfactants and 50 to 80% by weight of the solids initially introduced or added in steps b) and c), the percentage content of ethoxylated nonionic surfactants being up to about 20% by weight, preferably 5 to 18% by weight and, more preferably, above 10% by weight.
15. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a detergent containing up to 30% by weight and preferably from 0 to 25% by weight of zeolite, based on water-free substance, is produced.