A homogenizer is an essential piece of commercial equipment, utilized primarily in the pharmaceutical, beverage, and chemical industries. It is vital for achieving uniform, consistent, and quality consumer products. There are three primary homogenizer types: mechanical homogenizers, high-pressure (piston pump) homogenizers, and sonic disruptors. In this article, we examine each of these unique machines.
Mechanical Homogenizers
With this type of equipment, mechanical processes provide the primary source of energy for breaking down premix components. Mechanical homogenizers employ rotating elements such as paddles, cones, and blades in lieu of valves. The high forces generated by the rotating components break down the particles and facilitate uniform mixing. Colloid mills, rotor-stator homogenizers, and bead mills are the most commonly used kinds of mechanical homogenizers.
Colloid Mill: This type of homogenizer initiates the process through the mechanical tearing resulting from its moving parts. The machinery breaks down materials by dispersing liquid components using a static cone (the stator) and a rapidly rotating cone (the rotor).
Rotor-Stator: These homogenizers utilize a metal shaft that rotates inside a stationary metal case. The materials are drawn into the space between the rotor and stator and exposed to very strong shear forces brought about by the extreme shift in velocity. Rotor-stator homogenizers are exceptional for blending or creating emulsions out of liquids.
Bead Mills: The bead mill homogenizer disperses tiny particles in the slurry by agitating grinding beads in a cylindrical vessel. The mill’s rotor causes the bead motion, resulting in a strong shear force and particle collision.
High-Pressure Homogenizers
High-pressure or piston homogenizers are comprised of homogenization valves and high-pressure pumps. This equipment is typically utilized with liquids, most commonly in milk production. The piston pump processes materials by forcing the substance through tiny tubes and valves at very high-pressure levels.
Ultrasonic Homogenizers/ Sonic Disruptors
These homogenizers utilize the principle of ultrasonic cavitation for component disruption. Cavitation is described as the appearance of vapor-filled bubbles in the liquid medium due to rapid changes of pressure. By producing rarefaction and compression periods at alternate ultrasonic frequencies, cavitation is created to complete the process.
Common Applications for a Homogenizer
Homogenization, regardless of method, performs a variety of functions in the production of these products. These functions include:
Emulsification: One of the primary objectives of food and medicine production is microorganism inactivation. As heat and pasteurization both could potentially damage product quality, homogenization becomes critical for destroying bacteria. High-pressure homogenization mechanically destroys the cell wall utilizing impingement, turbulence, spatial pressure, and velocity.
Cell Fractionation: Biotech companies often utilize intracellular component recovery when developing medicinal and agricultural bioproducts. Managing the degree of homogenization facilitates cell disruption and the preservation of intracellular components.
Compound Extraction: High-value chemicals like polyphenols, flavonoids, lycopene, and other compounds are easier to extract and remain more stable when subjected to dynamic pressure via a homogenizer.
Enzyme Activation/Inactivation: The homogenization pressure can target specific enzymes for activation or inactivation, a useful function in the process of brewing alcoholic beverages.
Reconditioned Homogenizers
Homogenizers are necessary for a wide variety of manufacturing applications, but brand-new equipment can be expensive. Zwirner Equipment Company provides high-quality used equipment that has been professionally reconditioned and refurbished.
This used equipment is often much more affordable than new equipment, but the benefits don’t stop there.
Our team of experts can help you choose the right type of equipment for your application and assist with sourcing that equipment. We will also modify the equipment if necessary and deliver it safely to your location. Click here to view our view our current inventory of homogenizersor to speak with an equipment expert to learn more.
