Title of Invention	"A CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURE OF SOAP AND AN APPARATUS THEREFOR"
Abstract	The invention provides for continuous manufacturing of various kinds of soaps including transparent soaps with the help of a conveyer system through a cooling tunnel being supplied with cool air by a chiller that is controlled by a central electronic controller. The conveyer system is fed with soap mixture through an accumulator, which is supplied with the soap mixture by a crutcher. The soap mixture is casted using molds that are fixed to the primary conveyer of the conveyer system. A boiler supplies hot water/steam to the crutcher and the accumulator to maintain the mixture at specific temperatures. The temperature at which boiler supplies hot water/steam, the temperature at which chiller supplies cool air, the speed of the conveyer and amount of soap mixture released by the accumulator to fill the molds are controlled by the central electronic controller. The conveyer system allows changing the sides of the soap thereby ensuring uniform cooling and maintain homogeneity.

Title of Invention

"A CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURE OF SOAP AND AN APPARATUS THEREFOR"

Abstract

The invention provides for continuous manufacturing of various kinds of soaps including transparent soaps with the help of a conveyer system through a cooling tunnel being supplied with cool air by a chiller that is controlled by a central electronic controller. The conveyer system is fed with soap mixture through an accumulator, which is supplied with the soap mixture by a crutcher. The soap mixture is casted using molds that are fixed to the primary conveyer of the conveyer system. A boiler supplies hot water/steam to the crutcher and the accumulator to maintain the mixture at specific temperatures. The temperature at which boiler supplies hot water/steam, the temperature at which chiller supplies cool air, the speed of the conveyer and amount of soap mixture released by the accumulator to fill the molds are controlled by the central electronic controller. The conveyer system allows changing the sides of the soap thereby ensuring uniform cooling and maintain homogeneity.

Full Text	This invention relates to An Apparatus for continuous Manufacture of Soap and a continuous process there for. FIELD OF INVENTION: This invention particularly relates to an apparatus for Manufacture of Soap Continuously. The apparatus of this invention is completely automated. The apparatus of this invention enables cooling of the soap from all sides using moulds having means for better heat conduction thereby maintaining the quality of the product. The invention also provides a continuous process adaptable to manufacture soap bars having various shapes and sizes by appropriately using mould of varied size and shape. Further, the invention provides a process of continuous manufacture that yields soap of differentiated properties more specifically the properties resident in all soaps made from the casting route e.g. in use feel, grit, transparency, soaps with large quantities of do good ingredients, which are not amenable to processing on conventional soap processing lines. Specifically, the invention provides a continuous process for opaque, translucent and transparent soap that is user friendly cost effective having higher production rates, adaptable for varied compositions & shapes without compromise on the essential properties resident in all soaps as herein after described. The process specifically adopts casting process by using an efficient combination of conductive and convective heat transfer coefficients employing cool air. BACK GROUND OF THE INVENTION: Soaps can be categorized on the basis of their transparency. Transparent soap is one having a wide degree of colour and gloss but which are sufficiently transparent so that with a normal vision one can effectively see through a toilet sized bar. Specifically, if 14 point type can be seen through a '/4 inch thick bar of soap that bar of soap is defined as a transparent one. The second category include those which do not allow any transparency and are thus categorized as opaque, while the third category is the one, which include soaps that are neither opaque nor transparent. The third category would be ones that are neither opaque nor transparent and named as translucent. Process of producing transparent soaps has many stringent requirements, which include the selection of the starting materials and strict operational controls. Every ingredient has to be pure, colourless and compatible in the system such that the resultant product appears as an un-tinted glass. All the ingredients form a homogenous and transparent medium, unlike the other soaps, utilizing the soap noodles to blend with additives like extract, perfume and colour. As a result of all these strict requirements, the advantages provided by transparent soaps are transparent appearance, good moisturizing and rinsability, high glycerin content, no excess alkali, good homogeneity and vast variation allowing many additives. However, transparent soaps pose a different set of problems. In order to acquire its attractive and clear appearance, it is made through a more vigorous casting process, which usually takes more than one week to complete. Conventionally the soaps made from the casting route are batch solidified and cooled using batch-wise conductive heat transfer designs. Hence, extensive manual work is required. This limits the quantity of soap, which can potentially be manufactured or requires large capital investments and manual intervention to manufacture large quantities. Traditional transparent soap such as "Pears" is produced by prolonged evaporation and drying from an alcoholic liquid soap in a process taking up to three months. The characteristic concave shape of the soap tablet is achieved not by moulding but by shrinkage in the drying process. The production of transparent soaps worldwide remained a batch process; continuous production without serious aesthetic defects (i.e. loss of transparency) had not been obtained till recently. The relevant prior art i.e. a continuous process for manufacture of soap, known to the inventor include US patent 4758370 ('370) US'370 describes compositions and a continuous process for manufacture of transparent soap which is more efficient and economical than any of the earlier processes. In accordance with US'370, the process involves continuous saponification of a mild transparent soap which is quicker, more easily controlled, conserves energy and produces a more uniform product with lighter color and superior fragrance stability than heretofore obtainable. The process is specifically designed for transparent soaps and involves dual tank procedure, two different mixtures heated in different tanks before mixing stoichiometrically. Further, these mixtures are passed through preheated tanks moulded and then chilled for achieving the soap bars. However, when the bar comes out of the chilled chamber fails to get cooled on the reverse side. It also has to be further processed for finishing purposes. US Patent No. US 2,005,160 disclose a method for making transparent soap containing rosin but no alcohol or sugar. Further, the patent advocates shock cooling i.e. reducing temperatures from 1 OOoC to 20oC say in 2 seconds. US Patent No. 6,462,003 relates to preparation of transparent soap through saponification of fatty acid or animal/vegetable oil with alkali. As seen above the state of the art of technology is different for different types of soaps (opaque, translucent and transparent), manufacturer requires to setup different setups for manufacturing opaque/translucent and transparent soaps, which requires huge capital investments. Further, the most of the existing processes for casting soaps are batch processes. Individual batches of hot liquid soap with a given formulation are prepared and put in moulds for casting/solidification. The process of putting the soap into the individual moulds may either through a pump or manual. The moulds are then force cooled either by chilled water circulation around them or through ambient cooling (allowing them to kept in refrigerated room/ambient conditions for a long time till the soap in the moulds solidifies). Here the individual mould may be large cuboidal (say 25 kgs), large cylindrical (say 25 kgs) or for individual tablets. In the case of the large cuboidal moulds and the large cylindrical moulds, the moulds are cut further manually or through a cutting machine into as marketed size say 75 gms, 100 gms and as per the requirement of the market.The cut pieces are then further weathered for a period of one day in a chamber stamped for branding and subsequently packed. The additional period of one day of weathering is necessary as the surface of solidified soap exposed after cutting large moulds need hardness for subsequent processing viz stamping, packing etc The total process time for getting one tablet by the batch process can vary from anything between 2 days to 7 clays depending upon the formulation used for the preparation of the product. Hence there is a need for a continuous process for manufacturing of soaps supported by instrumentation and automated control systems. Moreover, continuous processes are preferred today because of their flexibility, speed and economics and are common for producing opaque and translucent soaps. However, the available continuous processes teach the improvement in the mechanism of saponification or improvement in composition. These processes also relate to transparent soaps only due to problems associated with such soaps. It is imperative to develop a manufacturing process that is scalable and flexible enough to accommodate the processes for opaque, translucent and transparent soaps, that allows for continuous production at a much higher rate, allows user friendly shapes and at the same time does not compromise on the essential properties resident in all soaps made from the casting route e.g. in use feel, grit and transparency. The process should eliminate the need for further processing such as weathering. Such a process would benefit the manufacturer by reducing cost and time thereby results in reducing the price at the consumer end. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: The main object of the invention is to provide An apparatus for Continuous manufacture of soap comprising a crutcher (A) wherein the basic ingredients of the soap making are mixed thoroughly with the help of a homogenizer (Ab) and a scraper (Aa) to scrap the material sticking to the walls of the crutcher, the boiler (B) for supplying hot water to the double jacketed space between the outer and inner layers of the crutcher for indirect heating the ingredients in the crutcher, having the entire ingredients mixed thoroughly, the homogenised blend is transferred into the accumulator (F) using the transfer pump (D) placed between the crutcher and the accumulator (F) for further mixing the ingredients therein with the help of stirring means (Fa) and keeping the soap mixture hot with the help of hot water supplied by the boiler to accumulator, accumulator (F) releases the soap mixture through the plurality of openings into the mould (G) duly impregnated by metal wire for better heat conduction ,at predetermined quantity sensed by the solenoid valve (E) and controlled by the controller(X) ,thus passing the moulds for cooling through cooling tunnel (I) on number of conveyors being primary conveyor (H),secondary conveyors (K) ,(L) (M) and (N) arranged in a particular sequence to optimize cooling and get cooled soap through the exit (O). The apparatus of the invention is completely automated for every action, which helps in reducing cost, time, while maintaining the quality of the title product. The apparatus of this invention enables efficient cooling of the soap using moulds having means for better heat conduction thereby maintaining the quality of the product by cooling from all sides, which in turn maintains homogeneity. In accordance with another aspect, the invention also provide "A continuous process for manufacture of soap comprising mixing of basic ingredients of soap in the crutcher (A) thoroughly with the help of a homogenizer (Ab) and a scraper (Aa) to scrap the material sticking to the walls of the crutcher, the ingredients in the crutcher being heated indirectly through double jacketed steam or hot water supplied by the boiler (B) and associated with a central electronic temperature controller (X) to control the temperature, having the entire ingredients mixed thoroughly, the homogenised blend is transferred into the accumulator (F) using the transfer pump (D) placed between the crutcher and the accumulator (F) for further mixing the ingredients therein with the help of stirring means (Fa) at various speeds to minimize foam while ensuring optimal agitation and keeping the mixture hot with the help of hot water and/or steamsupplied by the boiler to accumulator also, accumulator (F) releases a predetermined quantity of the soap mixture sensed by the solenoid valve (E) and/or other automated flow metering mechanisms and controlled by the controller(X) through the plurality of openings into the mould (G) duly impregnated by metal wire and/or other additives for better heat conduction , passing the moulds for cooling through cooling tunnel cooling in which is achived through a specified quantum of and direction of cool air (I) on a number of conveyors being primary conveyor (H),secondary conveyors (K) ,(L) (M) and (N) arranged in sequence at an angle of 90 degree to each other to obtain thorough cooled soap through the exit (O)" Other object of the invention is to provide a continuous soap manufacturing process that yields bars of differentiated properties more specifically those properties of in use feel, grit, transparency and ability to retain large quantities of do good ingredients that are resident in all soaps made from casting route. One more object of the invention is to provide a continuous soap manufacturing process that enables user-friendly shapes for all types of soaps. Yet another object of the invention is also to provide a continuous soap manufacturing Process that accommodates manufacturing of different types and shapes of soaps using same setup with important conditions like temperature and the speed of operation being controlled centrally according to the necessity of the situation. Further, the invention is also to produce soaps at substantially lower costs by employing completely automated apparatus and continuous process for soap manufacturing adaptable to various compositions of soaps. The process of the present invention adopts casting process by using an efficient combination of conductive and convective heat transfer coefficients employing cool air. The novelty of the invention resides in using specific mould and mechanism of cooling in a well-coordinated manner. The invention eliminates the problems associated with the existing processes particularly batch processes. The step of weathering and finishing are totally eliminated thereby saving time and man-hours and making process cost effective. The wastages are also totally eliminated. Since the apparatus can be used for varied compositions, shapes and type of soaps, the investment cost gets considerably reduced. ADVANTAGES: 1. The present invention allows manufacturing of all kinds of soaps using the same machinery. 2. The present invention allows large-scale manufacturing using the machinery which can be scaled up to any number of crutchers, accumulators and conveyers. 3. The present invention allows large scale manufacturing of various types of soaps without losing the quality of the resulting soap. 4. The present invention allows for various shapes and sizes of soap bars, which can be changed by using different shape and size of the moulds attached to the primary conveyer. 5. The present invention allows large scale manufacturing of various types of soaps using the same machinery and thus reduces the unit cost of manufacturing. 6. The present invention allows the manufacturability of large quantities of do good ingredients that are non-resident in all soaps made from traditional routes. The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuous manufacturing of soap and a process therefor in accordance with the present invention, parts thereof represented as under: A-Crutcher Aa.Scrapper Ab.Homogeniser B-Boiler C-Water Collection tank D-Transfer pump E-Solenoid valves F-Accumulator Fa-Stirrer G-Silicone rubber mold H-Primary Conveyor l-Cooling tunnel J-Chiller K-Secondary Conveyor 1 L-Secondary Conveyor 2 M-Secondary Conveyor 3 N-Secondary Conveyor 4 0-Exit for cooled soap As shown in the figure 1, the manufacturing process starts with the crutcher (A) of the apparatus where the basic ingredients that go into the making of soap are mixed with the help of a means exemplified by homogenizer (Ab) and a scrapper (Aa) to scrape the material sticking to the walls of the crutcher and ensure that the scraped material mixes with the bulk. The basic ingredients are mixed as the crutcher is indirectly heated preferably using the hot water supplied by the boiler (B) to the space in the jacket between the outer and inner layers of the crutcher. The boiler also provides hot water and/or steam to the jacket of the accumulator (F) and keeps the soap mixture warm/hot prior to dosing. The boiler (B) is in turn supplied with water by the water collection tank (C), which is manually filled with water initially. The water collection tank also collects water from the accumulator (F) and the crutcher (A). The temperature of the boiler (B) can be configured using the central electronic controller (X) and electronic controller controls the temperature of the boiler (B). The temperature can vary depending on the type of composition to be used. Preferably it is maintained between 70 - 85 deg C in the boiler, between 60 - 75 deg C in the crutcher, and between 65 - 70 deg C in the accumulator for various kinds of soaps and the setup allows a range of operating temperatures to accommodate deviations in the temperatures for soap manufacturing process. Once the ingredients are mixed thoroughly to the satisfaction of the supervisor, the homogenized blend is transferred to the accumulator (F) in any known manner preferably using the transfer pump (D) between the crutcher and the accumulator (F). The accumulator (F) also continuously stirs the mixture using the means (Fa). The accumulator (F) releases the soap mixture through the plurality of openings such as solenoid valves (E). The amount of mixture released is configured using the electronic controller (X) and the controller (X) controls the release of the mixture by the accumulator (F). The conveyorage details are toomany. Can be condensed to not reveal as much yet convey the essence of the design of the invention. The cooling of soap takes place on number of conveyers. Soaps in the moulds are moving away from the accumulator (F) on a primary conveyer (H). At the end of the primary conveyer (H) is a secondary conveyer (K) that runs at right angle to the primary conveyer (H). At the end of secondary conveyer (K) is another secondary conveyer (L) again at right angle to the secondary conveyer (K). At the end of secondary conveyer (L) is another secondary conveyer (M) at right angle again. At the end of the secondary conveyer (M) is yet another secondary conveyer (N) again at right angle to the secondary conveyer (M). At the end of secondary conveyer (N) is the exit (O) to carry the cooled soaps. The primary conveyer (H), secondary conveyer (L) and the secondary conveyer (N) are covered by the cooling tunnel (I) which is supplied with cool air using a plurality of cooling ducts (Y) spread evenly across the cooling tunnel (I). The primary conveyer (H) is fixed with a plurality of moulds (G) exemplified by but not limited to silicone rubber molds each with a plurality of individual soap bar molds. The number of valves/openings (solenoid) is equal to the number of individual soap bar molds on each of the (G). The soap mixture released by the accumulator (F) falls into the mold (G). The position of the mold (G) is controlled by a sensor (S), which senses the metal foil on the sides of the rubber molds and stops the primary conveyer (H). Once the soap mixture fills the rubber mold (G), the conveyer is actuated again by the central electronic controller (X) to move until the sensor senses the next mold (G) and stops the primary conveyer (H). The molds (G) on the primary conveyer (H) move at a rate configured at the central electronic controller (X). Once the filled mold (G) reaches the end of the primary conveyer (H) the mold stretches and releases the cooled soap on to the secondary conveyer (K) as the mold moves on to the reverse direction. The soap bars thus released on to the secondary conveyer move through all the connected conveyers L, M and N and finally exiting through the exit (O). In the process, the soap bars pass through the cooling tunnel (I) thrice before exiting. By the time the soap bars exit, the bars are sufficiently cooled. Normally the temperature inside the cooling tunnel (I) is in the range of 15 - 19 deg C, which is sufficient to cool the bars completely. Further, the effective air velocity for convective cooling used in the current design varies between for effective air cooling 1.0 m/s to 4 m/s. However, velocity of 2 meters/sec is advisable. Moreover, flexibility in the machine to vary the air velocity for varying the same for difficult to cool formulations is also possible. When the bars are transferred from one conveyer to other the exposing side gets changed thereby ensuring uniform cooling and maintaining homogeneity. Complete co-ordination in mixing, releasing mixtures and the speed at which the conveyer runs avoids insufficient or excess cooling conditions. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and the examples, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined. EXAMPLES Composition of Opaque, translucent & transparent soaps Solvents/Humectants-20-50% Surfactants-0-10% Preservatives-0-3% Examples for different categories Saturated fatty acid soaps selected from the group consisting of: myristic, palmitic, and stearic acid soaps and mixtures thereof; and from the group consisting of: oleic and lauric acid soaps and minor fatty acid soap selected from the group consisting essentially of: C.sub.8, C.sub. 10, C.sub. 18:2 and mixtures thereof; Oils can be selected from a combination of coconut oils, castor oil, palm oil and other vegetable oils. The combination of the type of oils and fatty acids is determined to maximi/e user benefits like rate of wear, presence of do good ingredients, transparency if required etc.. Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide ,TEA, Magnesium Hydroxide Polyol mixture consisting of 1,2-propylene glycol, sorbitol and glycerol Widely preferred Opaque Fatty acids & oils - 40-80% Alkali-upto 10-30% Solvents/Humectants-15-30% Surfactants-0-1% Opacifying agents-1-10% Preservatives-0-3% Translucent Fatty acids & oils - 30-50% Alkali - upto 8-20% Solvents/Humectants-30-40% Surfactants-0-10% Opacifying agents-0-5% Preservatives-0-3% Fatty acids and oils Alkali Solvents/ Humectants Transparent Fatty acids & oils - 30-50% Alkali-upto 5-16% More preferred Fatty acids & oils - 50-65% Alkali-upto 12-25% Solvents/Humectants-20-30% Surfactants-2-10% Opacifying agents-3-10% Preservatives-0-3% Fatty acids & oils - 35-50% Alkali-upto 10-20% Solvents/Humectants-30-40% Surfactants-2-10% Opacifying agents-0-3% Preservatives-0-3% Solvents/Humectants-30-50% Surfactants-4-10% Preservatives-0-3% Fatty acids & oils - 30-45% Alkali-upto 8-16% Most preferred Fatty acids & oils - 55-60% Alkali-upto 15-25% Solvents/Humectants-25- 30% Surfactants-4-10% Opacifying agents-5-10% Preservatives-0-3% Fatty acids & oils - 40-50% Alkali-upto 12-20% Solvents/Humectants-35- 40% Surfactants-4-10% Opacifying agents-0-1% Preservatives-0-3% Fatty acids & oils - 30-45% Alkali-upto 5-15% Solvents/Humectants-25- 40% Surfactants-6-10% Preservatives-0-3% Examples of suitable anionic surfactants useful as auxiliary surfactants include: alkane and alkene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, acyl isethionates, such as sodium cocoyl isethionate, alkyl glycerol ether sulfonates, fatty amidoethanolamide sulfosuccinates, acyl citrates and acyl taurates, alkyl sarcosinates, and alkyl amino carboxylatcs. Preferred alkyl or alkenyl groups have C12-18 chain lengths Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include: ethoxylates (6-25 moles cthylenc Surfactants oxide) of long chain (12-22 carbon atoms) alcohol (ether ethoxylates) and fatty acids (ester ethoxylates); alkyl polyhydroxy amides such as alkyl glucamides; and alkyl polyglycosides. Examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants include simple alkyl betaines, amido betaines, especially alkyl amidopropyl betaines, sulfo betaines, and alkyl amphoacetates. PEG-4000, PEG-6000, Glyceryl Mono stearate Opacifying agents Titanium Dioxide, , , Talc, Kaolin, Bentonite Preservatives/ Chelating agents/ Antioxidants Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, EHDP, We claim: An apparatus for Continuous manufacture of soap comprising a crutcher (A) wherein the basic ingredients of the soap making are mixed thoroughly with the help of a homogenizer (Ab) and a scraper (Aa) to scrap the material sticking to the walls of the crutcher, the boiler (B) for supplying hot water to the double jacketed space between the outer and inner layers of the crutcher for indirect heating the ingredients in the crutcher , the homogenised blend is transferred into the accumulator (F) using the transfer pump (D) placed between the crutcher and the accumulator (F) for further mixing the ingredients therein with the help of stirring means (Fa) and keeping the soap mixture hot with the help of hot water supplied by the boiler to accumulator, accumulator (F) releases the soap mixture through the plurality of openings into the mould (G) duly impregnated by metal wire for better heat conduction at predetermined quantity sensed by the solenoid valve (E) and controlled by the controller(X) ,and then passing the moulds for cooling through cooling tunnel (I) on number of conveyors being primary conveyor (H),secondary conveyors (K) ,(L), (M) and (N) arranged in sequence to optimize cooling and get cooled soap through the exit. 2.. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the metal sensors used are selected from ulterasensors, flow sensors and proximity sensors and most preferably proximity sensors. 3 Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the moulds used are silicon rubber mould impregnated with aluminium/steel wires and/or other conductive heat transfer enhancing agents. 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim Iwherein the stirrer used in the accumulator is preferably a paddle or Anchor shaped stirrer which can be run at variable speeds for minimization of foam and maximization of agitation.. 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the conveyors are at least four and positioned at right angle to each other to enable soap to pass through the cooling chambers thrice for complete cooling upto the innermost area of soap. 6. A continuous process for manufacture of soap comprising mixing of basic ingredients of soap in the crutcher (A) thoroughly with the help of a homogenizer (Ab) and a scraper (Aa) to scrap the material sticking to the walls of the crutcher, the ingredients in the crutcher being heated indirectly by steam or hot water supplied by the boiler (B) through double jacketed space and associated with a central electronic temperature controller (X) to control the temperature, having the entire ingredients mixed thoroughly, the homogenised blend is transferred into the accumulator (F) using the transfer pump (D) placed between the crutcher and the accumulator (F) for further mixing the ingredients therein with the help of stirring means (Fa) at a speed less than 25 rpm to have minimum foam and keeping the mixture hot with the help of hot water supplied by the boiler to accumulator also, accumulator (F) releases a predetermined quantity of the soap mixture sensed by the solenoid valve (E) and controlled by the controller(X) through the plurality of openings into the mould (G) duly impregnated by metal wire for better heat conduction , passing the moulds for cooling through cooling tunnel (I) on number of conveyors being primary conveyor (H),secondary conveyors (K) ,(L), (M) and (N) arranged in sequence at an angle of 90 degree to each other to obtain thorough cooled soap through the exit (O) 7. A process as claimed in claim 6 wherein the ingredients used for mixing are selected from the following: Fatty acids & oils - 40-60%, Alkali - upto 10-30%, Solvents/Humectants-15- 30%, Surfactants-0-10%, Opacifying agents-1-10%, Preservatives-0-3% in a manner and proportion such as herein described, 8. A process as claimed in claim 6 wherein the cooling of soap is effected thrice by positioning the conveyors at right angle to enable the soap to pass through the cooling chambers to cool the innermost core of the soap to avoid any form of damage through mechanical wear while handling. 9. A process as claimed in claim 6 wherein the weathering time is reduced /eliminated since the composition does not contain any volatile alcohol thereby reducing the time for evaporation. 10. A process as claimed in claim 6 wherein the temperature inside the cooling tunnel is in the range of 5- 20 deg C. 11. A process as claimed in claim 6 wherein the relation among resident time, air velocity and temperature drop is 30min, 600 cfm and 25 deg C respectively; 30min, 1200 cfm, and 32 deg C respectively and30min, 1800 cfm and 52 deg C respectively. 12. A process as claimed in claim- wherein the method of cooling is selected from brine based chilling, chilled water cooling or liquid nitrogen cooling. 13. A process as claimed in claim- wherein the temperature of the crutcher by indirect heating is kept within the range from 40 to 90 deg C preferably from 45 to 85 degC. 14. An apparatus as claimed in preceding claims and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15 A continuous process as claimed in preceding claims and substantially described in the specification.

Full Text

This invention relates to An Apparatus for continuous Manufacture of Soap and a continuous process there for.
FIELD OF INVENTION:
This invention particularly relates to an apparatus for Manufacture of Soap Continuously. The apparatus of this invention is completely automated. The apparatus of this invention enables cooling of the soap from all sides using moulds having means for better heat conduction thereby maintaining the quality of the product.
The invention also provides a continuous process adaptable to manufacture soap bars having various shapes and sizes by appropriately using mould of varied size and shape. Further, the invention provides a process of continuous manufacture that yields soap of differentiated properties more specifically the properties resident in all soaps made from the casting route e.g. in use feel, grit, transparency, soaps with large quantities of do good ingredients, which are not amenable to processing on conventional soap processing lines. Specifically, the invention provides a continuous process for opaque, translucent and transparent soap that is user friendly cost effective having higher production rates, adaptable for varied compositions & shapes without compromise on the essential properties resident in all soaps as herein after described. The process specifically adopts casting process by using an efficient combination of conductive and convective heat transfer coefficients employing cool air.
BACK GROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Soaps can be categorized on the basis of their transparency. Transparent soap is one having a wide degree of colour and gloss but which are sufficiently transparent so that with a normal vision one can effectively see through a toilet sized bar. Specifically, if 14 point type can be seen through a '/4 inch thick bar of soap that bar of soap is defined as a transparent one. The second category include those which do not allow any transparency and are thus categorized as opaque, while the third category is the one, which include
soaps that are neither opaque nor transparent. The third category would be ones that are neither opaque nor transparent and named as translucent.
Process of producing transparent soaps has many stringent requirements, which include the selection of the starting materials and strict operational controls. Every ingredient has to be pure, colourless and compatible in the system such that the resultant product appears as an un-tinted glass. All the ingredients form a homogenous and transparent medium, unlike the other soaps, utilizing the soap noodles to blend with additives like extract, perfume and colour.
As a result of all these strict requirements, the advantages provided by transparent soaps are transparent appearance, good moisturizing and rinsability, high glycerin content, no excess alkali, good homogeneity and vast variation allowing many additives.
However, transparent soaps pose a different set of problems. In order to acquire its attractive and clear appearance, it is made through a more vigorous casting process, which usually takes more than one week to complete. Conventionally the soaps made from the casting route are batch solidified and cooled using batch-wise conductive heat transfer designs. Hence, extensive manual work is required. This limits the quantity of soap, which can potentially be manufactured or requires large capital investments and manual intervention to manufacture large quantities.
Traditional transparent soap such as "Pears" is produced by prolonged evaporation and drying from an alcoholic liquid soap in a process taking up to three months. The characteristic concave shape of the soap tablet is achieved not by moulding but by shrinkage in the drying process.
The production of transparent soaps worldwide remained a batch process; continuous production without serious aesthetic defects (i.e. loss of transparency) had not been obtained till recently.
The relevant prior art i.e. a continuous process for manufacture of soap, known to the inventor include US patent 4758370 ('370) US'370 describes compositions and a continuous process for manufacture of transparent soap which is more efficient and economical than any of the earlier processes. In accordance with US'370, the process involves continuous saponification of a mild transparent soap which is quicker, more easily controlled, conserves energy and produces a more uniform product with lighter color and superior fragrance stability than heretofore obtainable. The process is specifically designed for transparent soaps and involves dual tank procedure, two different mixtures heated in different tanks before mixing stoichiometrically. Further, these mixtures are passed through preheated tanks moulded and then chilled for achieving the soap bars. However, when the bar comes out of the chilled chamber fails to get cooled on the reverse side. It also has to be further processed for finishing purposes.
US Patent No. US 2,005,160 disclose a method for making transparent soap containing rosin but no alcohol or sugar. Further, the patent advocates shock cooling i.e. reducing temperatures from 1 OOoC to 20oC say in 2 seconds.
US Patent No. 6,462,003 relates to preparation of transparent soap through saponification of fatty acid or animal/vegetable oil with alkali.
As seen above the state of the art of technology is different for different types of soaps (opaque, translucent and transparent), manufacturer requires to setup different setups for manufacturing opaque/translucent and transparent soaps, which requires huge capital investments.
Further, the most of the existing processes for casting soaps are batch processes. Individual batches of hot liquid soap with a given formulation are prepared and put in moulds for casting/solidification. The process of putting the soap into the individual moulds may either through a pump or manual.
The moulds are then force cooled either by chilled water circulation around them or through ambient cooling (allowing them to kept in refrigerated room/ambient conditions for a long time till the soap in the moulds solidifies). Here the individual mould may be large cuboidal (say 25 kgs), large cylindrical (say 25 kgs) or for individual tablets. In the case of the large cuboidal moulds and the large cylindrical moulds, the moulds are cut further manually or through a cutting machine into as marketed size say 75 gms, 100 gms and as per the requirement of the market.The cut pieces are then further weathered for a period of one day in a chamber stamped for branding and subsequently packed. The additional period of one day of weathering is necessary as the surface of solidified soap exposed after cutting large moulds need hardness for subsequent processing viz stamping, packing etc The total process time for getting one tablet by the batch process can vary from anything between 2 days to 7 clays depending upon the formulation used for the preparation of the product.
Hence there is a need for a continuous process for manufacturing of soaps supported by instrumentation and automated control systems. Moreover, continuous processes are preferred today because of their flexibility, speed and economics and are common for producing opaque and translucent soaps. However, the available continuous processes teach the improvement in the mechanism of saponification or improvement in composition. These processes also relate to transparent soaps only due to problems associated with such soaps.
It is imperative to develop a manufacturing process that is scalable and flexible enough to accommodate the processes for opaque, translucent and transparent soaps, that allows for continuous production at a much higher rate, allows user friendly shapes and at the same time does not compromise on the essential properties resident in all soaps made from the casting route e.g. in use feel, grit and transparency. The process should eliminate the need for further processing such as weathering. Such a process would benefit the manufacturer by reducing cost and time thereby results in reducing the price at the consumer end.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The main object of the invention is to provide An apparatus for Continuous manufacture of soap comprising a crutcher (A) wherein the basic ingredients of the soap making are mixed thoroughly with the help of a homogenizer (Ab) and a scraper (Aa) to scrap the material sticking to the walls of the crutcher, the boiler (B) for supplying hot water to the double jacketed space between the outer and inner layers of the crutcher for indirect heating the ingredients in the crutcher, having the entire ingredients mixed thoroughly, the homogenised blend is transferred into the accumulator (F) using the transfer pump (D) placed between the crutcher and the accumulator (F) for further mixing the ingredients therein with the help of stirring means (Fa) and keeping the soap mixture hot with the help of hot water supplied by the boiler to accumulator, accumulator (F) releases the soap mixture through the plurality of openings into the mould (G) duly impregnated by metal wire for better heat conduction ,at predetermined quantity sensed by the solenoid valve (E) and controlled by the controller(X) ,thus passing the moulds for cooling through cooling tunnel (I) on number of conveyors being primary conveyor (H),secondary conveyors (K) ,(L) (M) and (N) arranged in a particular sequence to optimize cooling and get cooled soap through the exit (O).
The apparatus of the invention is completely automated for every action, which helps in reducing cost, time, while maintaining the quality of the title product. The apparatus of this invention enables efficient cooling of the soap using moulds having means for better heat conduction thereby maintaining the quality of the product by cooling from all sides, which in turn maintains homogeneity.
In accordance with another aspect, the invention also provide "A continuous process for manufacture of soap comprising mixing of basic ingredients of soap in the crutcher (A) thoroughly with the help of a homogenizer (Ab) and a scraper (Aa) to scrap the material sticking to the walls of the crutcher, the ingredients in the crutcher being heated indirectly
through double jacketed steam or hot water supplied by the boiler (B) and associated with a central electronic temperature controller (X) to control the temperature, having the entire ingredients mixed thoroughly, the homogenised blend is transferred into the accumulator (F) using the transfer pump (D) placed between the crutcher and the accumulator (F) for further mixing the ingredients therein with the help of stirring means (Fa) at various speeds to minimize foam while ensuring optimal agitation and keeping the mixture hot with the help of hot water and/or steamsupplied by the boiler to accumulator also, accumulator (F) releases a predetermined quantity of the soap mixture sensed by the solenoid valve (E) and/or other automated flow metering mechanisms and controlled by the controller(X) through the plurality of openings into the mould (G) duly impregnated by metal wire and/or other additives for better heat conduction , passing the moulds for cooling through cooling tunnel cooling in which is achived through a specified quantum of and direction of cool air (I) on a number of conveyors being primary conveyor (H),secondary conveyors (K) ,(L) (M) and (N) arranged in sequence at an angle of 90 degree to each other to obtain thorough cooled soap through the exit (O)"
Other object of the invention is to provide a continuous soap manufacturing process that yields bars of differentiated properties more specifically those properties of in use feel, grit, transparency and ability to retain large quantities of do good ingredients that are resident in all soaps made from casting route.
One more object of the invention is to provide a continuous soap manufacturing process that enables user-friendly shapes for all types of soaps.
Yet another object of the invention is also to provide a continuous soap manufacturing Process that accommodates manufacturing of different types and shapes of soaps using same setup with important conditions like temperature and the speed of operation being controlled centrally according to the necessity of the situation.
Further, the invention is also to produce soaps at substantially lower costs by employing completely automated apparatus and continuous process for soap manufacturing adaptable to various compositions of soaps.
The process of the present invention adopts casting process by using an efficient combination of conductive and convective heat transfer coefficients employing cool air.
The novelty of the invention resides in using specific mould and mechanism of cooling in a well-coordinated manner. The invention eliminates the problems associated with the existing processes particularly batch processes. The step of weathering and finishing are totally eliminated thereby saving time and man-hours and making process cost effective. The wastages are also totally eliminated. Since the apparatus can be used for varied compositions, shapes and type of soaps, the investment cost gets considerably reduced. ADVANTAGES:
1. The present invention allows manufacturing of all kinds of soaps using the same
machinery.
2. The present invention allows large-scale manufacturing using the machinery
which can be scaled up to any number of crutchers, accumulators and conveyers.
3. The present invention allows large scale manufacturing of various types of soaps
without losing the quality of the resulting soap.
4. The present invention allows for various shapes and sizes of soap bars, which can
be changed by using different shape and size of the moulds attached to the
primary conveyer.
5. The present invention allows large scale manufacturing of various types of soaps
using the same machinery and thus reduces the unit cost of manufacturing.
6. The present invention allows the manufacturability of large quantities of do good
ingredients that are non-resident in all soaps made from traditional routes.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
Fig 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an apparatus for continuous manufacturing of soap and a process therefor in accordance with the present invention, parts thereof represented as under:
A-Crutcher
Aa.Scrapper
Ab.Homogeniser
B-Boiler
C-Water Collection tank
D-Transfer pump
E-Solenoid valves
F-Accumulator
Fa-Stirrer
G-Silicone rubber mold H-Primary Conveyor l-Cooling tunnel J-Chiller
K-Secondary Conveyor 1 L-Secondary Conveyor 2 M-Secondary Conveyor 3 N-Secondary Conveyor 4 0-Exit for cooled soap As shown in the figure 1, the manufacturing process starts with the crutcher (A) of the
apparatus where the basic ingredients that go into the making of soap are mixed with the help of a means exemplified by homogenizer (Ab) and a scrapper (Aa) to scrape the material sticking to the walls of the crutcher and ensure that the scraped material mixes with the bulk. The basic ingredients are mixed as the crutcher is indirectly heated preferably using the hot water supplied by the boiler (B) to the space in the jacket between the outer and inner layers of the crutcher. The boiler also provides hot water and/or steam to the jacket of the accumulator (F) and keeps the soap mixture warm/hot prior to dosing. The boiler (B) is in turn supplied with water by the water collection tank (C), which is manually filled with water initially. The water collection tank also collects water from the accumulator (F) and the crutcher (A).
The temperature of the boiler (B) can be configured using the central electronic controller (X) and electronic controller controls the temperature of the boiler (B). The temperature can vary depending on the type of composition to be used. Preferably it is maintained between 70 - 85 deg C in the boiler, between 60 - 75 deg C in the crutcher, and between 65 - 70 deg C in the accumulator for various kinds of soaps and the setup allows a range
of operating temperatures to accommodate deviations in the temperatures for soap manufacturing process.
Once the ingredients are mixed thoroughly to the satisfaction of the supervisor, the homogenized blend is transferred to the accumulator (F) in any known manner preferably using the transfer pump (D) between the crutcher and the accumulator (F). The accumulator (F) also continuously stirs the mixture using the means (Fa). The accumulator (F) releases the soap mixture through the plurality of openings such as solenoid valves (E). The amount of mixture released is configured using the electronic controller (X) and the controller (X) controls the release of the mixture by the accumulator (F).
The conveyorage details are toomany. Can be condensed to not reveal as much yet convey the essence of the design of the invention.
The cooling of soap takes place on number of conveyers. Soaps in the moulds are moving away from the accumulator (F) on a primary conveyer (H). At the end of the primary conveyer (H) is a secondary conveyer (K) that runs at right angle to the primary conveyer (H). At the end of secondary conveyer (K) is another secondary conveyer (L) again at right angle to the secondary conveyer (K). At the end of secondary conveyer (L) is another secondary conveyer (M) at right angle again. At the end of the secondary conveyer (M) is yet another secondary conveyer (N) again at right angle to the secondary conveyer (M). At the end of secondary conveyer (N) is the exit (O) to carry the cooled soaps.
The primary conveyer (H), secondary conveyer (L) and the secondary conveyer (N) are covered by the cooling tunnel (I) which is supplied with cool air using a plurality of cooling ducts (Y) spread evenly across the cooling tunnel (I). The primary conveyer (H) is fixed with a plurality of moulds (G) exemplified by but not limited to silicone rubber molds each with a plurality of individual soap bar molds. The number of valves/openings (solenoid) is equal to the number of individual soap bar molds on each of the (G).
The soap mixture released by the accumulator (F) falls into the mold (G). The position of the mold (G) is controlled by a sensor (S), which senses the metal foil on the sides of the rubber molds and stops the primary conveyer (H). Once the soap mixture fills the rubber mold (G), the conveyer is actuated again by the central electronic controller (X) to move until the sensor senses the next mold (G) and stops the primary conveyer (H).
The molds (G) on the primary conveyer (H) move at a rate configured at the central electronic controller (X). Once the filled mold (G) reaches the end of the primary conveyer (H) the mold stretches and releases the cooled soap on to the secondary conveyer (K) as the mold moves on to the reverse direction. The soap bars thus released on to the secondary conveyer move through all the connected conveyers L, M and N and finally exiting through the exit (O). In the process, the soap bars pass through the cooling tunnel (I) thrice before exiting. By the time the soap bars exit, the bars are sufficiently cooled. Normally the temperature inside the cooling tunnel (I) is in the range of 15 - 19 deg C, which is sufficient to cool the bars completely. Further, the effective air velocity for convective cooling used in the current design varies between for effective air cooling 1.0 m/s to 4 m/s. However, velocity of 2 meters/sec is advisable. Moreover, flexibility in the machine to vary the air velocity for varying the same for difficult to cool formulations is also possible. When the bars are transferred from one conveyer to other the exposing side gets changed thereby ensuring uniform cooling and maintaining homogeneity. Complete co-ordination in mixing, releasing mixtures and the speed at which the conveyer runs avoids insufficient or excess cooling conditions.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and the examples, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.
EXAMPLES
Composition of Opaque, translucent & transparent soaps

Solvents/Humectants-20-50% Surfactants-0-10% Preservatives-0-3% Examples for different categories
Saturated fatty acid soaps selected from the group consisting of: myristic, palmitic, and stearic acid soaps and mixtures thereof; and from the group consisting of: oleic and lauric acid soaps and minor fatty acid soap selected from the group consisting essentially of: C.sub.8, C.sub. 10, C.sub. 18:2 and mixtures thereof; Oils can be selected from a combination of coconut oils, castor oil, palm oil and other vegetable oils. The combination of the type of oils and fatty acids is determined to maximi/e user benefits like rate of wear, presence of do good ingredients, transparency if required etc..
Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide ,TEA, Magnesium Hydroxide Polyol mixture consisting of 1,2-propylene glycol, sorbitol and glycerol
Widely preferred
Opaque Fatty acids & oils - 40-80%
Alkali-upto 10-30%
Solvents/Humectants-15-30% Surfactants-0-1% Opacifying agents-1-10% Preservatives-0-3%
Translucent Fatty acids & oils - 30-50% Alkali - upto 8-20%
Solvents/Humectants-30-40% Surfactants-0-10% Opacifying agents-0-5% Preservatives-0-3%
Fatty acids and oils
Alkali
Solvents/ Humectants
Transparent Fatty acids & oils - 30-50% Alkali-upto 5-16%

More preferred
Fatty acids & oils - 50-65% Alkali-upto 12-25%
Solvents/Humectants-20-30% Surfactants-2-10% Opacifying agents-3-10% Preservatives-0-3%
Fatty acids & oils - 35-50% Alkali-upto 10-20%
Solvents/Humectants-30-40% Surfactants-2-10% Opacifying agents-0-3% Preservatives-0-3%
Solvents/Humectants-30-50%
Surfactants-4-10%
Preservatives-0-3%
Fatty acids & oils - 30-45% Alkali-upto 8-16%

Most preferred
Fatty acids & oils - 55-60%
Alkali-upto 15-25%
Solvents/Humectants-25-
30%
Surfactants-4-10%
Opacifying agents-5-10%
Preservatives-0-3%
Fatty acids & oils - 40-50%
Alkali-upto 12-20%
Solvents/Humectants-35-
40%
Surfactants-4-10%
Opacifying agents-0-1%
Preservatives-0-3%
Fatty acids & oils - 30-45%
Alkali-upto 5-15%
Solvents/Humectants-25-
40%
Surfactants-6-10%
Preservatives-0-3%

Examples of suitable anionic surfactants useful as auxiliary surfactants include: alkane and alkene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, acyl isethionates, such as sodium cocoyl isethionate, alkyl glycerol ether sulfonates, fatty amidoethanolamide sulfosuccinates, acyl citrates and acyl taurates, alkyl sarcosinates, and alkyl amino carboxylatcs. Preferred alkyl or alkenyl groups have C12-18 chain lengths Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include: ethoxylates (6-25 moles cthylenc Surfactants oxide) of long chain (12-22 carbon atoms) alcohol (ether ethoxylates) and fatty acids (ester ethoxylates); alkyl polyhydroxy amides such as alkyl glucamides; and alkyl polyglycosides.
Examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants include simple alkyl betaines, amido betaines, especially alkyl amidopropyl betaines, sulfo betaines, and alkyl amphoacetates. PEG-4000, PEG-6000, Glyceryl Mono stearate

Opacifying agents

Titanium Dioxide, , , Talc, Kaolin, Bentonite

Preservatives/
Chelating
agents/
Antioxidants Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, EHDP,

We claim:
An apparatus for Continuous manufacture of soap comprising a crutcher (A) wherein the basic ingredients of the soap making are mixed thoroughly with the help of a homogenizer (Ab) and a scraper (Aa) to scrap the material sticking to the walls of the crutcher, the boiler (B) for supplying hot water to the double jacketed space between the outer and inner layers of the crutcher for indirect heating the ingredients in the crutcher , the homogenised blend is transferred into the accumulator (F) using the transfer pump (D) placed between the crutcher and the accumulator (F) for further mixing the ingredients therein with the help of stirring means (Fa) and keeping the soap mixture hot with the help of hot water supplied by the boiler to accumulator, accumulator (F) releases the soap mixture through the plurality of openings into the mould (G) duly impregnated by metal wire for better heat conduction at predetermined quantity sensed by the solenoid valve (E) and controlled by the controller(X) ,and then passing the moulds for cooling through cooling tunnel (I) on number of conveyors being primary conveyor (H),secondary conveyors (K) ,(L), (M) and (N) arranged in sequence to optimize cooling and get cooled soap through the exit.
2.. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the metal sensors used are selected from ulterasensors, flow sensors and proximity sensors and most preferably proximity sensors.
3 Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the moulds used are silicon rubber
mould impregnated with aluminium/steel wires and/or other conductive heat transfer enhancing agents.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim Iwherein the stirrer used in the accumulator is
preferably a paddle or Anchor shaped stirrer which can be run at variable speeds for minimization of foam and maximization of agitation..
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the conveyors are at least four and
positioned at right angle to each other to enable soap to pass through the cooling
chambers thrice for complete cooling upto the innermost area of soap.
6. A continuous process for manufacture of soap comprising mixing of basic
ingredients of soap in the crutcher (A) thoroughly with the help of a homogenizer (Ab)
and a scraper (Aa) to scrap the material sticking to the walls of the crutcher, the
ingredients in the crutcher being heated indirectly by steam or hot water supplied by the
boiler (B) through double jacketed space and associated with a central electronic
temperature controller (X) to control the temperature, having the entire ingredients
mixed thoroughly, the homogenised blend is transferred into the accumulator (F) using
the transfer pump (D) placed between the crutcher and the accumulator (F) for further
mixing the ingredients therein with the help of stirring means (Fa) at a speed less than 25
rpm to have minimum foam and keeping the mixture hot with the help of hot water
supplied by the boiler to accumulator also, accumulator (F) releases a predetermined
quantity of the soap mixture sensed by the solenoid valve (E) and controlled by the
controller(X) through the plurality of openings into the mould (G) duly impregnated by
metal wire for better heat conduction , passing the moulds for cooling through cooling
tunnel (I) on number of conveyors being primary conveyor (H),secondary conveyors
(K) ,(L), (M) and (N) arranged in sequence at an angle of 90 degree to each other to
obtain thorough cooled soap through the exit (O)
7. A process as claimed in claim 6 wherein the ingredients used for mixing are selected
from the following: Fatty acids & oils - 40-60%, Alkali - upto 10-30%, Solvents/Humectants-15-
30%, Surfactants-0-10%, Opacifying agents-1-10%, Preservatives-0-3% in a manner and
proportion such as herein described,
8. A process as claimed in claim 6 wherein the cooling of soap is effected thrice by
positioning the conveyors at right angle to enable the soap to pass through the cooling
chambers to cool the innermost core of the soap to avoid any form of damage through
mechanical wear while handling.
9. A process as claimed in claim 6 wherein the weathering time is reduced /eliminated
since the composition does not contain any volatile alcohol thereby reducing the time for
evaporation.
10. A process as claimed in claim 6 wherein the temperature inside the cooling tunnel is
in the range of 5- 20 deg C.
11. A process as claimed in claim 6 wherein the relation among resident time, air
velocity and temperature drop is 30min, 600 cfm and 25 deg C respectively; 30min, 1200
cfm, and 32 deg C respectively and30min, 1800 cfm and 52 deg C respectively.

12. A process as claimed in claim- wherein the method of cooling is selected from
brine based chilling, chilled water cooling or liquid nitrogen cooling.
13. A process as claimed in claim- wherein the temperature of the crutcher by
indirect heating is kept within the range from 40 to 90 deg C preferably from 45 to 85
degC.
14. An apparatus as claimed in preceding claims and substantially as herein described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15 A continuous process as claimed in preceding claims and substantially described in the specification.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=XlTGs4JZAFhWtKl5xgPb/A==&loc=+mN2fYxnTC4l0fUd8W4CAA==

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Patent Number

271057

Indian Patent Application Number

268/DEL/2006

PG Journal Number

06/2016

Publication Date

05-Feb-2016

Grant Date

29-Jan-2016

Date of Filing

01-Feb-2006

Name of Patentee

ITC LIMITED

Applicant Address

ITC GREEN CENTRE, 10, INSTITUTIONAL AREA, SECTOR 32, GURGAON, 122 001, HARYANA, INDIA,

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	BHATNAGAR, SAURABH	NBDC 7TH FLOOR, ITC CENTER 37 CHOWRINGHEE, KOLKATA: 700071 INDIA
2	GUPTA, ANANT	NBDC 7TH FLOOR, ITC CENTER 37 CHOWRINGHEE, KOLKATA: 700071 INDIA
3	MOHAN, APARNA	IGRDC, ITC TECHNOLOGY CENTER PEENYA, BANGALORE 560058 INDIA
4	SRIDHARAN, YATHIENDER	ITC LIMITED, INDIA TOBACCO DIVISION MEENAKUNTE VILLAGE, JALA HOBLI BANGALORE NORTH TALUK, BANGALORE-562 157 INDIA
5	BALAKRISHNAN, KP	IGRDC, ITC TECHNOLOGY CENTER PEENYA, BANGALORE 560058, INDIA

PCT International Classification Number

C11D 13/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1			NA