In general, powder dosing technology with high accuracy is state-of-the-art.
However, dosing of powders into conti processes (similar to a tube reactor / all raw materials are dosed continuously and exactly according to the recipe into the reactor) is often limited due to the undesired introduction of air.
Moreover, powder dosing systems could block during operation, if powders get sticky due to contact with the liquid ingredients – e. g. hygroscopic powders or water soluble polymers. Obvious technical solutions could be 2-step processes:
- preparation of a powder premix / solution
- conti processing
or
- conti processing
- de-aeration of the product
However, we like to avoid additional process steps and are looking for a dosing device, respecting high dosing accuracy, air-free powder introduction and high technical reliability.
Cost-effective Thickener for Esterquat-Dispersions
Esterquat-based Fabric Softeners consist of aqueous dispersions of cationic surfactants, containing (besides other ingredients) perfume oils and electrolytes. Final products usually have pH values in the range of 2-4.
The use of commercial polymer thickeners is limited for such kind of systems – they are quite expensive and / or high technical effort is required for activation and homogenization.
We are searching for a cost-effective thickening agent for such kind of formulations which can be used in batch processes as well as in continuous processes respecting moderate temperature conditions (< 40°C). High shear forces should be avoided.
Production of viscous and air-free products
Currently the liquid detergentia at Henkel are produced in a mixture of batch and conti process.
The so called masterbatches are produced in batch and they are normally low viscous and self degassing. The formulations are finished in a continuous plant and are pumped directly to the filler (without any storage).
In case of viscous finished products even the masterbatch is already viscous and contains air. As the preparation of the final bulk in the conti plant should follow immediately, the time foreseen in the process to degas this masterbatch is short.
We are looking for solutions, which can avoid the air input in the masterbatch or which can avoid or eliminate the air (chemical & technical solutions) before entering the continuous post addition plant.