Because of the conical rotor and stator that are both elements of the colloid mill, this specific kind of homogenizer is referred to as a colloid mill. Colloid mills are used to break up large particles into smaller ones. A hopper is using a gravimetric method to feed the premix into the rotor-stator assembly. At the same time, the premix is being thrown outward in the direction of the exit slot or holes. This makes it possible to distribute the premix in a uniform manner throughout the assembly. It is the high rotating speed of the rotor, which can range anywhere from 3,000 to 15,000 revolutions per minute, that causes shearing, which in turn causes the components of the premix fluid to be torn apart. This can take place anywhere from 3,000 to 15,000 times per minute.
The amount of shearing that takes place can be brought under control by adjusting the amount of clearance that is present between the rotor and the stator in a motor. Because of this, the maximum particle size that can be produced is limited, and as a direct consequence, the particles that are produced are not as fine as the particles that are produced by high-pressure or ultrasonic homogenizers.
On the other hand, due to the inertia of the fluid, it does not completely flow together with the rotor even though the fluid is moving at a faster speed. The acceleration of the fluid in a tangential direction is one of the functions that rotor-stator homogenizers are designed to perform. Both the high-velocity velocity differentials and the turbulent fluid flow that can be found inside the shear gap combine to produce high shear rates inside the shear gap. Both of these factors contribute to the high shear rates that are produced inside the shear gap.
Once they have been positioned inside the container, the beads are then brought into close proximity to the liquid that constitutes the premix. After that, they are mixed together by using paddles and blades that are a part of an internal mechanism that rotates in order to complete the mixing process. This is done in order to achieve the desired results. Rotating components that are a part of the high pressure homogenizer are typically what provide the agitation for larger homogenizers, which are typically positioned in direct line with the production stream. It is common practice in laboratories to make use of agitation that is achieved through the utilization of centrifugal action when preparing product samples to be homogenized. This is done in order to ensure that the samples are prepared properly.
They do not have a shear gap that is formed with a stator inside the machine like other types of mills and homogenizers, such as colloid mills and rotor-stator homogenizers, do. These types of mills have this characteristic.
Homogenizers That Achieve Their Results Via the Implementation of Ultrasound (Chapter 5)
Utilizing a physical principle that is referred to as ultrasonic cavitation, ultrasonic homogenizers, which are also known as sonicators or sonic disruptors, are able to achieve their goals and fulfill their functions
Other names for these devices include sonicators
This is a physical principle that, when ultrasonic waves are passed through a substance, leads to the formation of bubbles inside of that substance
Sound waves that vibrate at frequencies of twenty thousand hertz or higher are said to have ultrasonic frequencies
Ultrasonic frequencies are measured in hertz
As a result of this, the effect of cavitation is the most important factor that plays a role in the destruction of the component
Specifically, this is because cavitation causes bubbles to form in the fluid
In terms of production and deployment, the piezoelectric variety of transducer is the one that sees the most action
If a material possesses the property known as inverse piezoelectricity, then the length of the material can either lengthen as a result of the application of an electric current or shorten as a result of the application of an electric current
Both of these outcomes can occur as a result of the application of an electric current
The most important benefit that ultrasonic homogenizers offer is the capacity to carry out their intended tasks even when the environment's temperature and pressure are at typical levels
This is accomplished without making use of any components that are in any way able to move in response to external forces.
In the following chapter, we will discuss some of the additional tasks that a high pressure homogenizer is capable of carrying out.
Elimination of Microorganisms That Could Potentially Cause HarmThe destruction of microorganisms is one of the most important goals accomplished by the procedures carried out during the manufacturing of both food and pharmaceuticals. The process of producing food should strive to achieve this as one of its primary aims. Because of this, there is a decreased possibility that microorganisms will grow, which results in an increase in the amount of time that the product can be stored, as well as the total amount of time that the product can be stored.
The method of cell fractionation consists of:Cell fractionation is a process that involves rupturing a cell while preserving the integrity of the cell's internal components. This is done so that the cell can be divided into its constituent parts. The term "cell dissection" refers to this process as well.
A high pressure homogenizer is a specific kind of mixing equipment that is used to generate a mixture that is homogenous and consistent. The goal of using a high pressure homogenizer is to make the mixture as consistent as possible. After that, this kind of combination can be utilized in a variety of different contexts.
Within the valve, which is the single most important part of the apparatus as a whole, the homogenization process is carried out.
Homogenizers are multifunctional pieces of machinery that are capable of carrying out a wide variety of processes, such as emulsification and dispersion, for instance. Inactivation of microorganisms, fractionation of cells, activation and deactivation of enzymes, and the extraction of compounds are all examples of processes that fall under this category.