HOMOGENIZATION

WHAT IS HOMOGENIZATION

 

Homogenization, process of reducing a substance, such as the fat globules in milk, to extremely small particles and distributing it uniformly throughout a fluid, such as milk. When milk is properly homogenized, the cream will not rise to the top. The process involves forcing the milk through small openings under high pressure, thus breaking up the fat globules. Cream and other food products, such as peanut butter, may also be homogenized to produce a stable emulsion, i.e., one in which fats or oils will not separate from other elements. A similar process is used in the manufacture of some cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

 

SOLUTION

 

Homogenization requires the ingredients to be processed until a uniform globule or particle size. For most products, including creams, ointments, sauces, flavouring emulsions and pharmaceutical suspensions, this requires a droplet size in the range of 2 – 5 microns.

This can be achieved using a SEW Homogenizer. The precision-machined generates exceptionally high shear rates in a three stage mixing/homogenizing process; the high speed rotor draws materials into the work head where they are intensely mixed. Centrifugal force then drives the materials to the periphery of the work head and subjects them to mechanical shear in the precision gap between the rotor and stator. This is followed by intense hydraulic shear, as the product is forced through the stator screen at high velocity and circulated back into the mix. Fresh material is continually drawn into the work head, progressively reducing globule or particle size and quickly resulting in a homogeneous, uniform product.

 

SEW offers a range of in-tank and In-Line Mixer Homogenizers for this process.

 

SEW Mixer Homogenizers are fast and efficient and are capable of producing a fine droplet or particle size, typically in the range of 2 – 5 microns. This degree of homogenization is suitable for the vast majority of products, such as creams and ointments, lotions, sauces and flavour emulsions.

 

SEW offers a range of in-tank and In-Line mixer homogenizers for these applications. The precision-machined SEW work head generates exceptionally high shear rates in a three stage process that rapidly homogenizes the product to the required uniformity.

 

For the few applications that demand submicron particle or globule sizes a high-pressure homogenizer may be required. Where this is the case, passing the product through a high shear SEW Mixer Homogenizer first will dramatically improve throughput, process efficiency and reduce operating costs. This is because a high-pressure homogenizer works better when fed with a premix of uniform and fine globule or particle size, allowing the product to pass through the homogenizer at a much faster rate, normally in a single pass.

 

SEW MAKE HOMOGENIZER

 

The high pressure homogenizer HPH is an inline dispersing machine for energy-efficient, continuous production of superfine emulsions. Compared to other SEW inline machines, the dispersing action of the high pressure homogenizer HPH is not based on the rotor/stator principle. The even better homogenizing effect is achieved within the homogenizer by means of spontaneous decompression of the liquid from max. 2000 bar to an ambient pressure. With the same energy input, the SEW HOM produces considerably finer emulsions than conventional toothed ring dispersers. The use of high pressure homogenizers is recommended when a disintegration down to the Nano range is required; however, these machines do achieve a smaller flow capacity than conventional dispersers.

 

 

 

 

 

The high pressure homogenizer consists of a high pressure piston pump and a downstream homogenizing valve. The pressure build-up within the HPH occurs by means of one or more piston pump(s) which, with the help of ceramic pistons, ensure(s) a volume flow that is independent of pressure and virtually pulsation free. The desired homogenizing pressure can be infinitely adjusted. The pressure is reduced in a selected adjustable gap of the homogenizing valve. The quick pressure decrease in a moving medium leads to extremely high turbulences and cavitation, which then bring about the grinding of the raw product.

The machine's design can be adapted to fit customer-specific tasks. The high pressure homogenizer is available in two sizes with either one or more piston(s) of varying diameters. These parameters determine the max. Homogenizing pressure (800 or 2000 bar) possible for a specific machine type, the minimal permitted feeding volume (up to 10 ml) as well as homogenizing results and flow capacities.Combination of high to low beater speeds helps in particle size reduction further adding to the quality of the mix processed.

 

Efficiently produce emulsions with particle sizes in the Nano range and perform cell extractions: Such results are made possible by SEW high-pressure homogenizers which are capable of operating in continuous in-line operation. For both laboratory and industrial needs, SEW high pressure homogenizers produce ultra-fine emulsions with extremely narrow droplet distribution and can be used for cell disruption by means of extreme energy input. The HOM can be used in a wide range of applications: from the food industry, to the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors where the finest of emulsions are always required.

 

Application

For many applications and products in the food and pharmaceutical industries and in biotechnology, particle sizes in the Nano range have to be achieved, for example,

• for cell disruption in biotechnology
• for homogenizing milk products
• for the production of infusion solutions
• for the production of micro-fibrillated celluloses
• for the production of all types of micro emulsions

Advantages of the SEW high pressure homogenizer HPH

• Highest possible energy input which allows for a particle reduction of up to 0.1 µm
• Proven construction and long service life
• Very low noise level
• Sample volumes from 10 ml processible
• Deliverable in several sizes and versions for flow capacities from 2 to 100 l/h
• Robust drive, can also be used for industrial production
• Optionally available: a controller for adjusting the rotational speed of the driving shaft and therefore the corresponding adaptation of the throughput to the flow characteristics of the medium
• Parts that come in contact with the product are made of stainless steel and ceramic
• No elastomers in the product area
• All parts that come in contact with the product are autoclavable and available with FDA approval

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High Pressure Size Table