SOAP PRODUCTION
Soap is also a surfactant; in other
words a surface active agent. It removes dirt from the surface and suspends it
in water.
USES
OF SOAP:
Soap could be used for washing cloth,
It
could also be used for Scrubbing of floor, bathing,
And also Lubrication of machines as well
as other cleaning purposes.
TYPES OF SOAP: there are various types
of soaps, this incluldes:
1. Toilet
soap
2. Laundry
soap
3. Medicated
soap
4. Antiseptic
soap
FORMS OF SOAP: Any of the various types
mentioned above can exist or appear in any form. It could be
(1) Powdered soap
(2) Liquid soap
(3) Solid soap
EQUIPMENT
FOR SOAP PRODUCTION
1. Mixer:
This is usually made up of a bowl and a stirrer. It could be manually of
electrically powered. it is used for
mixing the chemicals to form the desired product.
2. Molder:
This is a kind of shaper, used to forge the soap into a particular desired
shape. It can also be a large constructed molder that will require further
cutting of the soap to desired shapes.
3. Cuter:
this is used to cut the soaps into shapes.
4. Weighting Balance: This is used for measuring the weight of
chemicals.
5. Lab Coat:
This used to protect the body and must be made with nylon materials.
6. Hand Glove:
Made of nylon also, for the protection of the hands.
7. Face Mask:
This needed to protect the face, the nose and mouth against inhaling of
chemicals.
8. Hydrometer:
This is an instrument for measuring water density in the caustic soda.
CHEMICALS AND INGREDIENTS
FOR LAUNDRY SOAP PRODUCTION
1. Sodium
hydroxide
2. Fatty
acid
3. Industrial salt (sodium chloride)
4. Sulphurnic
acid
5. Perfume
6. Colorants
7. Sodium
sulphate: This is a hardener and must be
the last to be added in the product before pouring out in to a mould. Dissolve
with a little water before use.
CHEMICALS AND INGREDIENTS
FOR PRODUCTION OF TOILET SOAP
1. Sodium
hydroxide
2. Fatty
acid
3. Industrial
salt
4. Sulphonic
acid
5. Perfume
6. Colourant
7. Sodium
silicate: This chemical makes the soap elastic, thick and prevents cracking.
8. Borax
Salt- this is a chemical that contributes to hardening of the soap, it makes
the soap to shine and increase quantity
9. Vitamin
E
10.
Glycerin: Vitamin E and Glycerin are good for body
nourishment. It also makes the soap to be mild to the skin
11.
Preservative-STPP
12.
Sodium sulphate
13.
Aloe Vera (optional)
14.
Honey (optional)
Note: The more additives, the better the
quality.
METHOD OF PRODUCTION
Basically there are two major methods of
soap production
(1) Hot method
(2) Cold method.
THE
HOT METHOD SYTEM
Under the Hot method, the chemicals are usually
subjected to the heat of fire. The major advantage this method is that the
quantity of the soap will increases up to double as compared to those that are produced
under cold system.
The Hot method however also has a number
of disadvantages. The soap that is produced begins to shrink,
Develops
white hairy particles within a period of time,
The soap dissolves easily.
THE
COLD METHOD SYTEM
Under the Cold system, the chemicals are
produced without passing through fire. The major disadvantage of this method is
that the volume does not increase like that of Hot system.
The major advantage of the cold method
is that the soap produced through this method remains the same even for years.
PRODUCTION
PROCESS FOR LAUNDRY SOAP
1. Measure
the fermented sodium hydroxide and pour the desired quantity into a bowl.
2. Add
industrial salt and stir (industrial salt should soaked overnight and sieved to
eliminate stony particles in the soap).
3. Pour
in Fatty acid and stir.
4. Add
Sulphunic acid
5. Then
perfume
6. Add
Colourant (Remember to dissolve in a little fatty acid if it is oil based
colour)
7. Finally
add sodium sulphate which you must have dissolved in a little water.
Note:
1. Each
ingredient or chemical should be stirred for at least 2 minutes to allow it
blend with the rest.
2. While
stirring, go in a particular direction. That is either clock wise only, or anti
clock wise.
If you turn this way and back to the
other way, it can cause the soap to separate and produce water. This means the production
break and you will suffer a loss.
POST PRODUCTION PROCESS
When the product has solidified, next
thing to do is pull out of the mould, move to your cutting table. Cut to
desired shape and size. Then package for the market and sell at your own price to make money. Good luck.