Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a solid detergent block for obtaining an aqueous
chemical solution having a substantially constant concentration. The invention also
relates to a process for preparing such a block. Such detergent blocks are suitable
for use in an industrial cleaning process, particularly a mechanical warewashing process,
and generally comprise alkaline agents and detergency builders.
Background of the invention
[0002] Industrial warewashing machines generally comprise a wash tank which contains the
cleaning solution for the wash process. In this process, the soiled wash load is doused
with the cleaning solution and subsequently with rinse water which falls into the
wash tank. Each cycle, the cleaning power of the cleaning liquor is reduced, first
because some is exhausted by the soil-removing process and, secondly, because it is
diluted with rinse water. The cleaning solution is therefore recharged from time to
time by adding fresh cleaning product from a dispenser system, which usually provides
liquid product or a concentrated aqueous solution of a composition including solid
chemicals.
[0003] A number of techniques are known for converting solid chemicals into a concentrated
aqueous solution, dependent on the nature of the solid. For example, according to
US patent 2,371,720 a solid powdered chemical can be dissolved by placing it on a
sieve and spraying water on to said sieve from below.
[0004] Alternatively, the powdered material can be dissolved in a dispenser of the "water-in-reservoir"
type. In this type of dispenser, the powdered material is submerged under water, which
therefore becomes loaded or even saturated with the powder. When more water is added,
the excess solution flows into an overflow pipe leading to the washing machine.
[0005] It is also possible to use solid detergent materials in the form of briquettes such
as, for instance, described in US patents 2,382,163, 2,382,164 and 2,382, 165. Briquettes
can be used with a "water-in-reservoir" type of dispenser.
[0006] A well-known type of solid detergent is the cast block form, whereby a solid detergent
block having a weight of several kilograms is formed by pouring a concentrated aqueous
slurry into a container, in which it solidifies upon cooling as a result of the hydration
of the salts in the composition. Such cast solid blocks are, for example, described
in European patent 3,769.
[0007] These solid blocks cast in containers require dispensing systems whereby water is
sprayed onto the block while it is inside the container, thereby gradually dissolving
the exposed surface to form a concentrated solution. Such a dispenser system is, for
instance described in European patent application 244,153.
[0008] Solid detergent blocks have won a certain degree of popularity in the area of industrial
warewashing because they constitute a non-dusty and therefore relatively safe product
form for the often aggressive chemicals used. Furthermore, hydrated solid blocks are
economical in use because they can be manufactured and transported as concentrated
products. However, elevated temperatures are required in the manufacturing process
of these hydrated solid detergent blocks and these temperatures have an adverse effect
on the stability of heat-labile components of the blocks.
[0009] In EP-A-375,022, an alternative type of detergent block is disclosed, namely a block
of compressed granular material. This block constitutes an even more concentrated
product and enables the incorporation of heat-labile components such as bleach compounds.
[0010] However, we have found that the quality of these compressed detergent blocks often
leaves to be desired when considerable levels of hygroscopic materals, such as caustic,
are present therein.
[0011] We have now surprisingly found that optimal quality of compressed detergent blocks
can be realised when detergent blocks having a composition according to the present
invention are prepared. More in particular, we have found that rather specific compositions
including a compressing aid and having controlled free water levels are essential
for obtaining optimal quality of the detergent block. In the context of the present
invention, a good quality block is defined as a block having a bulk density of 1200-2100
kg/m
3, preferably 1700-2000 kg/m
3, and showing neither cracks in the block (lamination) nor at the top or bottom surface
of the block (capping).
Definition of the invention
[0012] Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention provides a solid detergent composition
suitable for use in an industrial warewashing process and in the form of a block of
compressed granular material, said block having a weight of 0.2-10 kg and comprising:
- 25 - 35%
- by weight of an alkalimetal hydroxide selected from sodium- and potassium hydroxide;
- 40 - 55%
- by weight of a phosphate builder;
- 1 - 3 %
- by weight of a compressing aid selected from low foaming nonionic surfactants, metal
soaps, paraffins, talcum powder, polyethylene glycol, sodium benzoate, mixtures of
long chain ketones having more than 25 carbon atoms and fatty alcohols, and mixtures
thereof; and
- up to 6%
- by weight of free water.
[0013] Preferably, the detergent block according to the present invention has a weight of
1-5 kg.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides a process for manufacturing a solid
detergent block of the invention, whereby a powder having a corresponding composition
is compressed in a mould under a pressure of 3-30 kN/cm
2 to form a solid block.
A third aspect of the present invention is the use of a solid detergent block according
to the invention in an industrial warewashing process.
Detailed description of the invention
[0014] The solid detergent blocks of the invention generally contain detergent components
usually found in detergent material suitable for use in a machine warewashing process.
As shown above, these components comprise an alkalimetal hydroxide, a phosphate builder,
and one or more types of compressing aid.
[0015] Owing to the relatively low alkalimetal hydroxide level of the detergent blocks of
the invention, the moisture sensitivity is reduced during manufacturing of said blocks.
This is of importance since it was found that the free water content of the detergent
blocks must be below 6% by weight in order to obtain good quality blocks. A free water
content above this level was found to result in lamination and capping phenomena,
and or in considerable block expansion by which the lifetime and the block density
are dramatically reduced. A high block density of at least 1700 kg/m
3 is preferred since transport cost and amount of packaging material are generally
reduced with blocks of higher density.
[0016] Control of the free water level during manufacture of the detergent blocks of the
invention was found to be essential to obtain good quality blocks. Preferably, the
free water level of the detergent blocks is below 4% by weight.
In the context of the present invention, free water level is defined as the weight
loss observed when heating the granular material used for producing the block concerned,
during 4 hours at a temperature of 130°C.
Alkalimetal hydroxide
[0017] The type of alkalimetal hydroxide preferably used in the blocks of the invention,
is sodium hydroxide.
In addition to alkalimetal hydroxide, the blocks of the invention may contain up to
20% by weight of other types of alkaline agent, preferably sodium- or potassium-metasilicate,
or -carbonate.
Phosphate builder
[0018] Generally, the detergent blocks of the invention contain 40-55% by weight of phosphate
builder. This relatively high concentration range of phosphate builder, in combination
with the relatively low level of alkalimetal hydroxide, makes the blocks extremely
suitable for use with hard water.
[0019] The phosphate builder material present in the blocks of the invention is generally
defined to be phosphate containing material which is capable of reducing the level
of free calcium and magnesium ions in the wash liquor, and, preferably, provides the
composition with other beneficial properties such as the generation of an alkaline
pH and the suspension of soil removed from the substrate to be removed. Preferred
phophate builders are pyrophosphate, orthophosphate and tripolyphosphate. Sodium tripolyphosphate
is most preferred.
Compressing aid
[0020] The compressing aid present in the blocks of the invention is selected from low foaming
nonionic surfactants,such as C
8-C
20 alkoxylated fatty alcohols, metal soaps, paraffins, talcum powder, polyethylene glycol,
sodium benzoace, mixtures of long chain ketones having more than 25 carbon atoms and
fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof.
This compressing aid is an essential ingredient of the detergent block of the invention
since it is needed during the compaction process for obtaining strong blocks of good
quality. However, only moderate levels of compressing aid, being in the range of 1-3%
by weight, are required since levels above said range would result in weaker blocks.
[0021] Preferred compressing aids are mixtures of long chain ketones having more than 25
carbon atoms and fatty alcohols, since such mixtures are highly effective both as
a lubricant during the manufacturing process of the block and as an anti-foaming agent
when using the block in a machine warewashing process. These mixtures are preferably
in the form of a dispersion of the long chain ketone in the liquid-form fatty alcohol
which is preferably a branched tatty alcohol having 8 to 24 carbon atoms. Such compositions
are commercially available, for instance from Henkel as Dehypon 2429™.
Bleaching agent
[0022] The detergent block of the invention may also comprise a bleach component, encapsulated
or not, in an amount of up to 20% by weight. Said bleach component may be a hypohalite
bleach such as NaDCCA, or a peroxygen compound, i.e. a compound capable of yielding
hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution.
For environmental reasons, a peroxygen compound selected from alkali metal peroxides,
organic peroxides, such as urea peroxide, and inorganic persalts such as the alkali
metal perborates, percarbonates, perphosphates, persilicates and persulphates, is
preferably used. Mixtures of two or more of such compounds may also be suitable.
[0023] Particularly preferred are sodium perborate tetrahydrate and, especially, sodium
perborate monohydrate. Sodium perborate monohydrate is preferred because of its high
active oxygen content. Sodium percarbonate may also be preferred for environmental
reasons.
The peroxygen bleach compound is suitably present in the detergent block of the invention
at a level of up to 20% by weight, preferably of from 5 to 10% by weight.
On the other hand, the hypohalite bleach, if present, may be suitably used in an amount
of up to 5%, preferably 1-4% by weight, as active chlorine.
[0024] Organic peroxyacids may also be suitable as peroxygen bleaching agent. Such materials
normally have the general formula:
wherein R is an alkylene or substituted alkylene group containing from 1 to about
20 carbon atoms, optionally having an internal amide linkage; or a phenylene or substituted
phenylene group; and Y is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, aryl, an imido-aromatic or non-aromatic
group, a C00H or
group or a quaternary ammonium group.
[0025] Typical monoperoxy acids useful herein include, for example:
(i) peroxybenzoic acid and ring-substituted peroxybenzoic acids, e.g. peroxy-α-naphthoic
acid;
(ii) aliphatic, substituted aliphatic and arylalkyl monoperoxyacids, e.g. peroxylauric
acid, peroxystearic acid and N,N-phthaloylaminoperoxy caproic acid (PAP); and
(iii) 6-octylamino-6-oxo-peroxyhexanoic acid.
[0026] Typical diperoxyacids useful herein include, for example:
(iv) 1,12-diperoxydodecanedioic acid (DPDA);
(v) 1,9-diperoxyazelaic acid;
(vi) diperoxybrassilic acid; diperoxysebasic acid and diperoxyisophthalic acid;
(vii) 2-decyldiperoxybutane-1,4-diotic acid; and
(viii) 4,4'-sulphonylbisperoxybenzoic acid.
[0027] Also inorganic peroxyacid compounds are suitable, such as for example potassium monopersulphate
(MPS).
If organic or inorganic peroxyacids are used as the peroxygen compound, the amount
thereof will normally be within the range of about 2-10 % by weight, preferably from
4-8 % by weight.
[0028] All these peroxide compounds may be utilized alone or in conjunction with a peroxyacid
bleach precursor and/or an organic bleach catalyst not containing a transition metal.
[0029] Peroxyacid bleach precursors are known and amply described in literature, such as
in the British Patents 836988; 864,798; 907,356; 1,003,310 and 1,519,351; German Patent
3,337,921; EP-A-0185522; EP-A-0174132; EP-A-0120591; and US Patents 1,246,339; 3,332,882;
4,128,494; 4,412,934 and 4,675,393.
[0030] Another useful class of peroxyacid bleach precursors is that of the cationic i.e.
quaternary ammonium substituted peroxyacid precursors as disclosed in US Patent 4,751,015
and 4,397,757, in EP-A0284292 and EP-A-331,229. Examples of peroxyacid bleach precursors
of this class are:
2-(N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium) ethyl sodium-4-sulphonphenyl carbonate chloride (SPCC);
N-octyl,N,N-dimehyl-N10-carbophenoxy decyl ammonium chloride (ODC);
3-(N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium) propyl sodium-4-sulphophenyl carboxylate; and
N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium toluyloxy benzene sulphonate.
[0031] A further special class of bleach precursors is formed by the cationic nitriles as
disclosed in EP-A-303,520 and in European Patent Specification No.'s 458,396 and 464,880.
[0032] Any one of these peroxyacid bleach precursors can be used in the present invention,
though some may be more preferred than others.
[0033] Of the above classes of bleach precursors, the preferred classes are the esters,
including acyl phenol sulphonates and acyl alkyl phenol sulphonates; the acyl-amides;
and the quaternary ammonium substituted peroxyacid precursors including the cationic
nitriles.
[0034] Examples of said preferred peroxyacid bleach precursors or activators are sodium-4-benzoyloxy
benzene sulphonate (SBOBS); N,N,N'N'-tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED); sodium-1-methyl-2-benzoyloxy
benzene-4-sulphonate; sodium-4-methyl-3-benzoloxy benzoate; SPCC; trimethyl ammonium
toluyloxy-benzene sulphonate; sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulphonate (SNOBS); sodium
3,5,5-trimethyl hexanoyloxybenzene sulphonate (STHOBS); and the substituted cationic
nitriles.
[0035] The precursors may be used in an amount of up to 12 %, preferably from 2-10 % by
weight, of the composition. Organic bleach catalyst most suitable for being utilized
here are the so-called sulphonimides as disclosed in EP-A-0453,003 and EP-A-0446,982.
Other ingredients
[0036] The detergent block of the invention preferably also comprises 0-10% by weight of
a polycarboxylated polymer. Suitable polymers are for instance polyacrylates such
as Norasol LMW45D™, ex Norsohaas.
However, a polycarboxylate polymer on a suitable carrier material, for instance a
polyacrylate polymer on a carbonate and/or silicate carrier, such as Norasol WL2-Si™,
ex NorscHaas, is more preferred. Reason is that the presence of this type of polymer
on carrier in the detergent block, desirably at a level up to 25% by weight, results
in a higher density and improved stability of the block.
[0037] The detergent block of the invention may further comprise suitable minor ingredients,
such as bleach stabilizers, enzymes, etc.
Process
[0038] During manufacture of the detergent block of the invention, it is preferred that
all solid starting materials should be dry and (in the case of hydratable salts) in
a low hydration state. For instance, anhydrous phosphate builder is preferably used
as constituent of the detergent block.
[0039] According to the process of the invention, a suitable granular detergent powder corresponding
to the desired chemical composition is formed and subsequently compressed in a mould
under a pressure of 3-30 kN/cm
2. Preferably, all constituents of the detergent block are homogeneously distributed
through the powder before compression of said powder is carried out.
[0040] This process can be carried out in any suitable press, preferably a hydraulic press
containing two movable punches, for instance a LAEIS Hydraulische Doppeldruckpresse,
TYP HPF 630 as manufactured by LAEIS, West Germany.
[0041] In order to obtain good quality blocks having a sufficiently low free water content,
the relative humidity of the air that is contact with the powder to be compacted during
the manufacturing process, is preferably kept below 35%, more preferably below 10%
.
Preheating of the powder to be compacted or heating of the punches of the hydraulic
press, generally results in reduced stickyness of said powder, which in turn leads
to less wall friction of the detergent block in the mould, and, consequently, a reduced
risk of damage when ejecting said block out of the mould. However, for safety reasons
(in order to avoid any risk of self heating due to exothermic reactions) the powder
temperature is preferably kept below 40°C, more preferably below 35°C.
Since the compaction is carried out at such moderate temperatures, considerable levels
of heat sensitive components, such as bleach compounds, may be incorporated in the
detergent block of the invention. This is regarded as an additional advantage of this
manufacturing process. In order to minimize the risk of the occurrence of capping
phenomena caused by air expansion, a deaeration step is preferably applied during
the compaction process.
After manufacture, the detergent block of the invention is desirably packaged as soon
as possible, owing to its hygroscopic nature.
Use
[0042] Another aspect of the invention is the use of the solid detergent block of the invention
in an industrial warewashing process. Owing to the relatively high phosphate builder
content of the block of the invention, said block is very suitable for use with hard
water.
In use, the detergent block may be placed inside a suitable dispenser, in which it
is sprayed upon with water in order to obtain an aqueous solution of the solid detergent
material. Depending on the nature of the solid detergent block or the invention, the
water may also form a slurry or suspension of the chemical material contained therein.
[0043] The invention is further illustrated by the following nonlimiting Examples, in which
parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise stated.
[0044] In the Examples, the following abbreviations are used:
Thermphos NW™ |
sodium tripolyphophate, ex Hoechst; |
Dehypon 2429™ |
mixture of ketones in fatty alcohol, ex Henkel; |
Norasol WL2-Si™ |
40% polyacrylate (mol wt 4500) on 30% sodium silicate (SiO2:Na2O=2) and 30% sodium carbonate, ex NorsoHaas |
Caustic soda |
sodium hydroxide micropearls, ex Solvay; |
Na DCCA dihydrate |
Na dichloroisocyanurate. dihydrate, ex FMC. |
Example 1, Comparative Example A
[0045] Homogeneous powder-form mixtures having the following compositions were obtained
by mixing the components in a Lodige-type mixer:
Example no. |
1 (%) |
A (%) |
Thermphos NW™ |
50.0 |
32.0 |
Dehypon 2429™ |
2.0 |
2.0 |
Norasol WL2-Si™ |
12.5 |
12.5 |
Caustic soda |
30.2 |
50.0 |
Na DCCA dihydrate |
5.3 |
3.5 |
[0046] The free water content of the resulting powder was measured to be 3.4% by weight
(for the mixture of Example 1) respectively 6.6% by weight (for the mixture of Example
A).
[0047] In both cases, the resulting powder was compressed to 3 kg blocks in a mould under
a pressure of 14 kN/cm
2 using a double punch press. During this compaction process, the temperature and relative
humidity of the air that was in contact with the powder to be compacted, were respectively
28°C and 8%.
[0048] As a result blocks were obtained having following quality characteristics:
Examples |
1 |
A |
block density (kg/m3) |
1780 |
<1180 |
appearance of block |
strong |
expanded |
lamination |
no |
yes |
capping |
no |
yes |
cracks |
no |
yes |
[0049] It can be concluded that the block according to the invention has a significantly
better quality than the block of the comparative Example having a free water content
in excess of 6% by weight.
1. Solid detergent composition suitable for use in an industrial warewashing process
and in the form of a block of compressed granular material, said block being of the
type having a weight of 0.2-10Kg and comprising an alkalimetal hydroxide, a phosphate
builder and a compressing aid, the composition being characterised in that it includes:
25-35% by weight of the alkalimental hydroxide, wherein the alkalimetal hydroxide
is selected from sodium - and potassium hydroxide;
40-55% by weight of the phosphate builder;
1-3% by weight of the compressing aid, wherein the compressing aid is selected from
low foaming nonionic surfactants, metal soaps, paraffins, talcum powder, polyethylene
glycol, sodium benzoate, mixtures of long chain ketones having more than 25 carbon
atoms and fatty alcohols, and mixtures
thereof;
and up to 6% by weight of free water,
wherein free water is defined as the weight loss observed when heating the granular
material used for producing the block during 4 hours at a temperature of 130°C.
2. Solid detergent composition according to claim 1, having a weight of 1-5 kg.
3. Solid detergent composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the phosphate builder
is sodium tripolyphosphate.
4. Solid detergent composition according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the compressing
aid comprises a mixture of a long chain ketone having more than 25 carbon atoms and
a fatty alcohol.
5. Solid detergent composition according to any of claims 1-4, comprising up to 4% by
weight of free water.
6. Solid detergent composition according to any of claims 1-5, additionally comprising
up to 20% by weight of a bleaching agent.
7. Solid detergent composition according to claim 6, wherein said bleaching agent is
selected from sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate.
8. Process for the manufacture of a solid detergent composition according to any of claims
1-7, whereby a powder having a corresponding composition is compressed in a mould
under a pressure of 3-30 kN/cm2 to form a solid block.
9. Process according to claim 8, whereby during said process the relative humidity of
the air that is in contact with the powder to be compacted, is below 35%.
10. Process according to claim 8 or 9, whereby during said process the temperature of
the powder to be compacted , is below 40°C.
11. Use of a solid detergent composition according to any of claims 1-7, in an industrial
warewashing process.
1. Feste Waschmittelzusammensetzung, geeignet zur Verwendung in einem industriellen Geschirrwaschverfahren
und in Form eines Blocks aus verpreßtem, granulärem Material, wobei der Block von
der Art ist, die ein Gewicht von 0,2-10 kg aufweist, und ein Alkalimetallhydroxid,
einen Phosphatbuilder und eine Verpreßhilfe umfaßt, wobei die Zusammensetzung dadurch
gekennzeichnet ist, daß sie einschließt:
25-35 Gewichtsprozent des Alkalimetallhydroxids, wobei das Alkalimetallhydroxid ausgewählt
ist aus Natrium- und Kaliumhydroxid;
40-55 Gewichtsprozent des Phosphatbuilders;
1-3 Gewichtsprozent der Verpreßhilfe, wobei die Verpreßhilfe ausgewählt ist aus wenig
schäumenden, nichtionischen Tensiden, Metallseifen, Paraffinen, Talkumpulver, Polyethylenglycol,
Natriumbenzoat, Gemischen von langkettigen Ketonen mit mehr als 25 Kohlenstoffatomen
und Fettalkoholen und Gemischen davon;
und bis zu 6 Gewichtsprozent freies Wasser,
wobei freies Wasser als der Gewichtsverlust definiert wird, der beobachtet wird,
wenn das zur Herstellung des Blocks verwendete granuläre Material während 4 Stunden
auf eine Temperatur von 130°C erhitzt wird.
2. Feste Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach Anspruch 1, mit einem Gewicht von 1-5 kg.
3. Feste Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Phosphatbuilder
Natriumtripolyphosphat ist.
4. Feste Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die Verpreßhilfe
ein Gemisch eines langkettigen Ketons mit mehr als 25 Kohlenstoffatomen und einen
Fettalkohol umfaßt.
5. Feste Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, umfassend bis zu
4 Gewichtsprozent freies Wasser.
6. Feste Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, zusätzlich umfassend
bis zu 20 Gewichtsprozent eines Bleichmittels.
7. Feste Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Bleichmittel aus Natriumperborat
und Natriumpercarbonat ausgewählt ist.
8. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer festen Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der Ansprüche
1-7, wodurch ein Pulver mit einer entsprechenden Zusammensetzung in einer Form zur
Bildung eines festen Blocks unter einem Druck von 3-30 kN/cm2 verpreßt wird.
9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, wobei während des Verfahrens die relative Luftfeuchtigkeit,
die mit dem zu verdichtenden Pulver in Kontakt steht, unterhalb 35% ist.
10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, wobei während des Verfahrens die Temperatur des
zu verdichtenden Pulvers unterhalb 40°C ist.
11. Verwendung einer festen Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der Ansprüche 1-7 in
einem industriellen Geschirrwaschverfahren.
1. Composition détergente solide appropriée pour l'utilisation dans un procédé de lavage
de la vaisselle industriel et sous la forme d'un bloc de matière granulaire comprimée,
ledit bloc étant du type ayant un poids de 0,2 à 10 kg et comprenant un hydroxyde
de métal alcalin, un adjuvant phosphate et un auxiliaire de compression, la composition
étant caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte :
25 à 35% en poids de l'hydroxyde de métal alcalin, l'hydroxyde de métal alcalin étant
choisi parmi l'hydroxyde de sodium et de potassium,
40 à 55% en poids de l'adjuvant phosphate,
1 à 3% en poids de l'auxiliaire de compression, l'auxiliaire de compression étant
choisi parmi les tensioactifs à faible moussage, les savons métalliques, les paraffines,
la poudre de talc, le polyéthylèneglycol, le benzoate de sodium, les mélanges de cétones
à chaîne longue ayant plus de 25 atomes de carbone et d'alcools gras et leurs mélanges,
et jusqu'à 6% en poids d'eau libre, l'eau libre étant définie comme la perte pondérale
observée quand on chauffe la matière granulaire utilisée pour produire le bloc pendant
4 heures à une température de 130°C.
2. Composition détergente solide selon la revendication 1, ayant un poids de 1 à 5 kg.
3. Composition détergente solide selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle l'adjuvant
phosphate est le tripolyphosphate de sodium.
4. Composition détergente solide selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans
laquelle l'auxiliaire de compression comprend un mélange d'une cétone à chaîne longue
ayant plus de 25 atomes de carbone et d'un alcool gras.
5. Composition détergente solide selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, comprenant
jusqu'à 4% en poids d'eau libre.
6. Composition détergente solide selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, comprenant
de plus jusqu'à 20% en poids d'un agent de blanchiment.
7. Composition détergente solide selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle ledit agent
de blanchiment est choisi parmi le perborate de sodium et le percarbonate de sodium.
8. Procédé de fabrication d'une composition solide détergente selon l'une quelconque
des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel la poudre ayant une composition correspondante
est comprimée dans un moule sous une pression de 3 à 30 kN/cm2 pour former un bloc solide.
9. Procédé selon la revendication 8, dans lequel pendant ledit procédé, l'humidité relative
de l'air en contact avec la poudre à comprimer est en dessous de 35%.
10. Procédé selon la revendication 8 ou 9, dans lequel pendant le procédé, la température
de la poudre à comprimer est en dessous de 40°C.
11. Utilisation d'une composition solide détergente selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 7, dans un procédé de lavage de la vaisselle industriel.