ANALYSIS OF THE COLOR AND ODOR VARIATION OF INDUSTRIAL NEUTRAL DETERGENT: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

This case study consists of an applied research that aims to identify weaknesses in the processing of neutral detergent responsible for variations in color, odor in a company specialized in sanitation and cleaning products located in Vale do Itajaí/SC. The monitoring of the production process was carried out for three months, evaluating: i) operational items: aptitude, method of execution, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and use of personal protective equipment (PPE); ii) raw material: formulation, quantities and inputs; iii) process water: magnesium, calcium and total hardness. Three preservatives from RDC nº30 and the mixture MIT/CMIT and Bromo-2 Nitro-2 Propanediol (Bronopol) CAS nº52-51-7 tested in this research were evaluated. The productive follow-up demonstrated that the operators were properly trained, carried out activities according to SOPs and used PPE. The preservative content in the formulation was adjusted to 0.28% of the mixture and there was a change in its operational sequence, inserting the thickener after adjusting the pH of the solution. The detergent obtained showed a slightly yellowish color, constant, uniform and without variation in odor after 14 days of elaboration. Physical parameters of the water showed calcium and magnesium hardness <15mg/L and total hardness 16.61mg/L, not interfering with the characteristics of the product or its performance. It is estimate that the problem with the neutral detergent was the preservative used and the operational sequence of preparation of the product, since positive results were obtained in the test formulation, without variation in color and odor after 14 days of preparation.