Objective
Detergent manufacture traditionally involves a mixing of the raw materials with water; this is followed by an energy consuming drying process. The EEC project demonstrates a new technology that realizes a direct interaction of raw materials which react, producing the final product, without the addition of water. The new process saves energy in an amount up to 3.5 MJ/kg of final product with respect to traditionally manufactured detergents. It also saves water in an amount up to 1.0 liter/kg of final product. The innovative plants can be built more cheaply than plants using the traditional process and show a cost that is about 25 % the cost of traditional plants, with a same production capacity. The innovative process and plant are less costly than traditional ones with respect to both construction cost and operation and maintenance costs.
Between August and September 1989 the innovative plant, which is transportable, produced detergent powder for dish-washing machines for the Italian market (without phsophates) at the installation of DOSA S.p.A. at Castrocielo (FROSIMONE, ITALY). The rated capacity was 3000 kg/h. The demonstration program was thus completed. After that date the plant was utilized to produce detergent powders for dish-washing and for innovative formulas (i.e. high density).
The implementation of the project showed the possibility, through the new technology developed, of producing detergent powders with the same characteristics of powders produced using traditional spray-drying process, but with substantially reduced costs (investment cost : 1/4, with reference to a same capacity; energy cost : 1/10; operation and maintenance costs, excluded raw materials, 1/3) and with the exclusion of the huge water consumption requested by traditional processes.
In addition, it has been shown the flexibility of the technology proposed, that is suitable for small-size production plants (300 kg/h, 500 kg/h, 750 kg/h), as well as for big-size plants (up to 6000 kg/h and over, per unit).
The highest electric energy consumption with the plant realized during the project (with a capacity of 3000 kg/h) was 33 Wh per kg of product (hand wash detergent). No other kind of energy consumption is necessary.
All tests of production foreseen in the project were successful. No relevant problems were met during the construction and the operation of the plant. New plants have been designed, utilizing the experience gained during the project implementation. Licenses are available and joint ventures may be considered.
In the innovative plant, the alkaline-powder raw materials, dosed and pre-mixed, are continuously introduced into a special component, the "turbo-reactor", where they are fully fluidified in a cooled stream of air; the liquid-acid raw materials are contemporaneously sprayed by special nozzles and intimately mixed with the powders, thus allowing the formation of the expanded granules of the detergent. These are then agglomerated in a rotating drum, where cooling and ageing take place with the possibility of addition of finishing products if required.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
00186 Roma
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.