How are spray-dried detergent powders made from a liquid slurry?

Spray-dried detergent powders are manufactured by processing an aqueous slurry that contains all necessary builder components, such as sodium silicate, sodium carbonate, and various phosphates.1

To create the final product, this slurry is atomized in a heated environment to remove nearly all of its water content. This process results in the formation of hollow particles known as beads, which are preferred because they are virtually dust-free and dissolve rapidly in water. Following the drying process, additional ingredients like enzymes or sodium perborate may be incorporated into the beads to enhance cleaning performance.1