A high-pressure homogenizer is a device that can homogenize materials in an ultra-high pressure environment. Its working principle is to use ultra-high pressure (up to 60000psi) to make the suspended material flow at high speed through a chamber with a special internal structure (high-pressure homogenization chamber), thereby causing a series of changes in the physical, chemical, and structural properties of the material, ultimately achieving homogenization.
The main structure of high-pressure homogenizer
The main structure of a high-pressure homogenizer includes a three plunger reciprocating pump, a homogenization valve, a transmission mechanism, and a housing. These components work together to enable the high-pressure homogenizer to efficiently homogenize materials in ultra-high pressure environments:
Three plunger reciprocating pump: The pump body is a rectangular prism with three pump chambers inside. The piston moves back and forth in the pump chamber, causing the material to be sucked in and pressurized before flowing towards the homogenization valve. The pump body and piston are usually made of stainless steel and sealed with packing devices to prevent liquid leakage. Each pump chamber is equipped with two active valves, which change the pressure inside the chamber through the reciprocating motion of the piston, alternately opening or closing the active valves to complete the function of suction and discharge of liquid materials.
Homogenization valve: Homogenization valve is a key component for homogenization treatment, consisting of valve seat, valve core, and impact ring. It is usually made of materials that are resistant to high pressure and corrosion, such as ceramics, Stellite alloy, diamond, etc. The homogenization valve can adjust the pressure of the fluid by adjusting the pressure of the spring on the valve core to achieve the purpose of controlling the degree of material homogenization.
Transmission mechanism: The transmission mechanism is used to provide a power source, convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, and drive the plunger pump to work. The transmission mechanism usually includes components such as an electric motor, connecting rod, and crankshaft. Through the collaborative action of these components, power is transmitted to the pump body and homogenization valve to achieve material homogenization processing.
Shell: The shell is the outer part of the high-pressure homogenizer, which serves to protect the internal structure. The shell is usually made of metal material, which has good strength and corrosion resistance to ensure the stable operation and long-term use of the equipment.
Introduction to the Application of High Pressure Homogenizer
In the field of biology:
Cell lysis: High pressure homogenizers can be used to lyse various microbial cells (such as bacteria, yeast, etc.), releasing bioactive substances such as proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, etc. inside the cells. For example, in the fermentation industry, fermentation products are extracted by crushing microbial cells or providing samples for subsequent analysis and testing.
• Plant cell lysis: The same applies to plant cells, releasing active ingredients inside the cells, such as natural products, pigments, polysaccharides, etc. For example, extracting medicinal ingredients such as paclitaxel and natural pigments such as anthocyanins from plant cells.
Animal cell lysis: In the field of biotechnology, high-pressure homogenizers can be used to lyse animal cells to obtain intracellular components, such as extracting antibodies, enzymes, etc. from mammalian cells. However, due to the fragility of animal cells, it is necessary to control the pressure and conditions during operation.
Food sector:
Dairy processing: High pressure homogenizer can evenly disperse fat globules in milk, improving the stability and taste of milk. For example, in the production of pasteurized milk, ultra-high temperature sterilized milk, etc., high-pressure homogenization is usually used for homogenization treatment.
Yogurt production: In yogurt production, high-pressure homogenization can fully mix the fermenting agent with milk, improve fermentation efficiency and yogurt quality, making the texture of yogurt more delicate and the taste smoother.
• Juice beverage processing: For cloudy juices such as orange juice, mango juice, etc., a high-pressure homogenizer can evenly disperse the pulp particles in the juice, improving the stability and taste of the juice.
In the field of medicine:
• Production of pharmaceutical emulsions: The production of pharmaceutical emulsions must use ultra-high pressure homogenizers (with a pressure of at least 20000 psi).