Homogenization apparatus and method of cleaning thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to a homogenizing device and its cleaning method. The homogenizing device includes a housing, on which a homogenizing module is fitted. The homogenizing module has the following structure: it includes a hopper, and a liquid suction mechanism is fitted at the bottom of the hopper. The liquid suction mechanism draws material from the hopper using negative pressure. The liquid outlet of the liquid suction mechanism is connected to the liquid inlet of a switching mechanism. The first liquid outlet of the switching mechanism is connected to the liquid inlet of the hopper, and the second liquid outlet of the switching mechanism is connected to the liquid inlet of the homogenizer mechanism. The homogenizer mechanism homogenizes the material. By setting up the homogenizing module, the device can be cleaned efficiently and conveniently after homogenization. The cleaning process does not require disassembly of the device, effectively reducing time and labor costs, improving cleaning efficiency, and enabling rapid adaptation to the production of various types of materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mixing equipment technology, and in particular to a homogenizing device and its cleaning method. Background Technology

[0002] High-pressure homogenizers are used to homogenize and disperse slurry products, and are widely used in food and beverage, biopharmaceutical, cosmetic, materials science, new materials, fine chemical and other fields.

[0003] In existing technologies, high-pressure homogenizers use a hydraulic station to supply pressure to a hydraulic cylinder. A plunger rod connected to the front of the cylinder pushes the material inside the homogenization chamber through tiny slits, causing the material to be ejected from the slits at extremely high speed within a very short time, achieving a preliminary shearing effect. Subsequently, the material enters the homogenization chamber, where, through the shearing action of the homogenizer, particle collisions, and cavitation, the particle size of agglomerates or materials is rapidly reduced and dispersed, finally reaching the container through tiny channels. However, after homogenization, the homogenizer, especially the homogenization chamber, needs to be cleaned. This typically requires a significant amount of time and manpower for disassembly and cleaning, resulting in low cleaning efficiency, impacting equipment utilization, and making it difficult to quickly adapt to the homogenization needs of various types of materials. Furthermore, frequent disassembly can damage the equipment, reducing its lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing production technologies, the applicant provides a homogenizing device and its cleaning method. By setting up a homogenizing module, the device can be cleaned efficiently and conveniently after homogenization. The cleaning process does not require disassembly of the device, effectively reducing time and labor costs, improving cleaning efficiency, and enabling rapid adaptation to the production of various types of materials.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A homogenizing device includes a housing, on which a homogenizing module is fitted. The homogenizing module has the following structure: it includes a hopper, and a liquid suction mechanism is fitted at the bottom of the hopper. The liquid suction mechanism draws material from the hopper by means of negative pressure. The liquid outlet of the liquid suction mechanism is connected to the liquid inlet of a switching mechanism. The first liquid outlet of the switching mechanism is connected to the liquid inlet of the hopper, and the second liquid outlet of the switching mechanism is connected to the liquid inlet of the homogenizer mechanism. The homogenizer mechanism homogenizes the material. The inlet of the switching mechanism is always connected to the second outlet of the switching mechanism. By disconnecting or connecting the inlet of the switching mechanism to the first outlet of the switching mechanism, the flow direction of the fluid inside the switching mechanism is changed.

[0006] As a further improvement to this technical solution: The structure of the liquid suction mechanism is as follows: it includes a liquid suction chamber, a liquid suction channel is opened in the middle of the liquid suction chamber, a hydraulic cylinder is installed at the bottom of the liquid suction chamber, the output end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a plunger rod, and the plunger rod is driven by the hydraulic cylinder to slide back and forth in the liquid suction channel; When the hydraulic cylinder retracts, the driving plunger rod moves in a straight line, which increases the internal volume of the suction channel, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the suction channel and generating negative pressure, causing the material in the hopper to flow into the suction channel. When the hydraulic cylinder extends, it drives the piston rod to move in a straight line, which reduces the internal volume of the suction channel, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the suction channel and pushing the material in the suction channel into the switching mechanism.

[0007] The end of the liquid suction channel is connected to the liquid outlet of the hopper, and a one-way valve is installed at the end of the liquid suction channel.

[0008] At least one injection port is provided on the side wall of the liquid suction chamber. Each injection port is connected to the liquid suction channel and an injection valve is installed at each injection port.

[0009] The switching mechanism has the following structure: it includes a switching valve body, and a first connecting groove, a second connecting groove, a third connecting groove and a fourth connecting groove are respectively opened on the wall of the switching valve body, and the first connecting groove, the second connecting groove, the third connecting groove and the fourth connecting groove are interconnected. The first connecting groove corresponds to the first liquid outlet of the switching mechanism and is connected to the liquid inlet of the hopper; The second connecting groove corresponds to the second liquid outlet of the switching mechanism and is connected to the liquid inlet of the homogenizer mechanism; The third connecting groove corresponds to the liquid inlet of the switching mechanism and is connected to the liquid outlet of the suction mechanism. A blocking rod is installed in the fourth connecting groove. The blocking rod is connected to the actuating component. The actuating component drives the blocking rod to perform reciprocating linear motion. The blocking rod extends forward, thereby disconnecting the first connecting groove from the third connecting groove; or the blocking rod retracts, thereby connecting the first connecting groove from the third connecting groove.

[0010] The execution component includes a screw seat that is fitted into a fourth mounting slot, a screw that is rotatably mounted on the screw seat, and one end of the screw that is connected to a plug rod; Rotate the screw, thereby causing the plug rod to move linearly relative to the screw seat.

[0011] A handle is connected to the other end of the screw.

[0012] The structure of the homogenizer mechanism is as follows: it includes a homogenizing cavity, a homogenizing block assembly is installed inside the homogenizing cavity, a homogenizing flow channel is opened in the middle of the homogenizing block assembly, and a nozzle is installed on the homogenizing cavity. The nozzle is arranged at one end of the homogenizing flow channel, and the material enters the homogenizing flow channel through the nozzle and is homogenized through the homogenizing flow channel.

[0013] A cleaning method for a homogenizing device based on the above includes the following steps: The liquid inlet of the switching mechanism is disconnected from the first liquid outlet of the switching mechanism, so that the homogenizing equipment is in homogenizing mode. Material is fed into the hopper and flows into the liquid suction mechanism through the hopper. The liquid suction mechanism pressurizes the material inside the liquid suction mechanism so that the material inside the liquid suction mechanism enters the switching mechanism at the first pressure and then flows into the homogenizer mechanism through the second liquid outlet of the switching mechanism for homogenization. The inlet of the switching mechanism is connected to the first outlet of the switching mechanism, thereby putting the homogenizing equipment in a cleaning mode. Cleaning liquid is introduced into the hopper, and the cleaning liquid flows into the suction mechanism through the hopper. The suction mechanism pressurizes the cleaning liquid inside, so that the cleaning liquid inside the suction mechanism enters the switching mechanism at a second pressure. Inside the switching mechanism, the cleaning liquid flows out through the first outlet and / or the second outlet of the switching mechanism, thereby cleaning the suction mechanism and / or the homogenizer mechanism.

[0014] As a further improvement to this technical solution: When the second pressure is less than the through pressure of the homogenizer mechanism, the cleaning fluid inside the switching mechanism flows into the hopper and the suction mechanism in sequence through the first outlet of the switching mechanism, thereby cleaning the hopper and the suction mechanism. When the second pressure is greater than the through pressure of the homogenizer mechanism, the cleaning fluid inside the switching mechanism flows into the hopper and the suction mechanism sequentially through the first outlet of the switching mechanism. At the same time, the cleaning fluid inside the switching mechanism flows into the homogenizer mechanism through the second outlet of the switching mechanism, thereby cleaning the hopper, the suction mechanism and the homogenizer mechanism.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention features a compact and reasonable structure and is easy to operate. By incorporating a hopper, a liquid suction mechanism, a switching mechanism, and a homogenizer mechanism, it enables CIP cleaning of the equipment. This ensures that residual materials inside the homogenization chamber and pipelines can be quickly cleaned after the addition of cleaning fluid, preparing the equipment for the next production run. This allows different types of materials to be tested and produced on the same equipment, effectively improving the equipment's efficiency and cleanliness, and enhancing its working efficiency.

[0016] The present invention also has the following advantages: (1) By setting up a liquid suction chamber, a hydraulic cylinder and a plunger rod, the present invention can cause the liquid to flow into or out of the liquid suction channel based on the change in volume.

[0017] (2) By setting up a screw seat, screw and handle, the present invention can manually and accurately control the movement of the plug rod, flexibly switch the liquid flow direction, and has a simple structure, convenient operation and low cost.

[0018] (3) By setting up a handle, a nozzle and a nozzle coupling plate, the present invention can facilitate nozzle replacement and fixation, and realize flexible nozzle disassembly and assembly.

[0019] (4) In this invention, the combination of nozzle and homogenizer can be quickly switched according to homogenization requirements to achieve different homogenization effects, adapt to diverse homogenization requirements, produce better homogenization effects, and realize multi-purpose use of one machine.

[0020] (5) By adjusting the value of the second pressure, the present invention can select to use a small-scale cleaning method or a large-scale cleaning method to avoid damage to the homogenizer mechanism, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency and ensuring the cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the homogenization module in this invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid suction mechanism in this invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a full sectional view of the liquid suction mechanism in this invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline connection between the switching mechanism and the homogenizer mechanism in this invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the switching mechanism in this invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the switching mechanism in this invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the homogenizer mechanism in this invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a full sectional view of the homogenizer mechanism in this invention.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the working state of the switching mechanism and the homogenizer mechanism when the present invention is in homogenization mode.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the working state of the switching mechanism and the homogenizer mechanism when the present invention is in cleaning mode.

[0032] The components include: 1. Housing; 2. Homogenization module; 3. Central control module; 11. First pipe group; 12. Second pipe group; 13. Third pipe group; 14. Fourth pipe group; 15. Fifth pipe group; 16. Sixth pipe group; 21. Hopper; 22. Liquid suction mechanism; 23. Switching mechanism; 24. First connector; 25. Second connector; 26. Homogenizer mechanism; 27. Shell-and-tube heat exchanger; 28. Cooler; 2201, Suction chamber; 2202, Hydraulic cylinder; 2203, Piston rod; 2204, Support rod; 2205, Sleeve; 2206, Suction channel; 2207, Check valve; 2208, Injection valve; 2301, First connecting groove; 2302, Second connecting groove; 2303, Third connecting groove; 2304, Fourth connecting groove; 2305, Switching valve body; 2306, Connecting passage; 2307, Plug rod; 2308, Screw seat; 2309, Screw; 2310, Handle; 2601. Homogeneous cavity; 2602. Homogeneous block assembly; 2603. Homogeneous flow channel; 2604. Nozzle coupling plate; 2605. Nozzle; 2606. First flow channel; 2607. Second flow channel. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] like Figures 1-11 As shown, the homogenizing device of this embodiment includes a housing 1, on which a homogenizing module 2 is mounted. The structure of the homogenizing module 2 is as follows: it includes a hopper 21, and a liquid suction mechanism 22 is mounted at the bottom of the hopper 21. The liquid suction mechanism 22 draws material from the hopper 21 by means of negative pressure. The outlet of the liquid suction mechanism 22 is connected to the inlet of a switching mechanism 23. The first outlet of the switching mechanism 23 is connected to the inlet of the hopper 21, and the second outlet of the switching mechanism 23 is connected to the inlet of a homogenizer mechanism 26. The homogenizer mechanism 26 homogenizes the material. The inlet and the second outlet of the switching mechanism 23 are always connected. By disconnecting or connecting the inlet and the first outlet of the switching mechanism 23, the flow direction of the fluid inside the switching mechanism 23 is changed. The homogenizing device of this embodiment includes a housing 1 and a homogenizing module 2; wherein, The casing 1 serves as the overall mounting frame for the equipment, and several casters are fitted to its bottom for easy relocation and use; for example... Figure 1As shown, a central control module 3 is configured on the housing 1. The central control module 3 is electrically connected to the homogenization module 2 and is used to monitor the homogenization state of the material in the homogenization module 2, the cleaning state of the cleaning solution, and the working status of each actuator in the homogenization module 2, so as to realize automated production and cleaning. The central control module 3 includes an operation panel installed on the wall of the housing 1 to facilitate human-machine interaction. The main body of the homogenization module 2 is fixed to the outside of the casing 1 to facilitate homogenization and cleaning operations; in this embodiment, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the homogenization module 2 includes a hopper 21, a liquid suction mechanism 22, a switching mechanism 23, and a homogenizer mechanism 26. Based on the valve switching control and automatic program adjustment by the central control module 3, it can achieve clean-in-place (CIP) cleaning without disassembly. During CIP cleaning, it can quickly and efficiently achieve cleaning, improve equipment utilization efficiency, ensure equipment cleanliness, and enable the equipment to adapt to the production of various materials without major disassembly. The hopper 21 is used to hold liquid materials, including materials to be homogenized or cleaning liquids for cleaning. The hopper 21 is fixed to the top of the liquid suction mechanism 22 and is directly or indirectly connected to the liquid suction mechanism 22 (liquid suction channel 2206) to facilitate the flow of liquid materials from the hopper 21 into the liquid suction mechanism 22.

[0035] like Figures 3-4 As shown, the structure of the liquid suction mechanism 22 is as follows: it includes a liquid suction chamber 2201, a liquid suction channel 2206 is opened in the middle of the liquid suction chamber 2201, and a hydraulic cylinder 2202 is installed at the bottom of the liquid suction chamber 2201. The output end of the hydraulic cylinder 2202 is connected to a plunger rod 2203. The plunger rod 2203 is driven by the hydraulic cylinder 2202 to slide back and forth in the liquid suction channel 2206. When the hydraulic cylinder 2202 retracts, it drives the plunger rod 2203 to move in a linear direction, which increases the internal volume of the liquid suction channel 2206, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the liquid suction channel 2206 and generating a negative pressure, causing the material in the hopper 21 to flow into the liquid suction channel 2206. When the hydraulic cylinder 2202 extends, it drives the plunger rod 2203 to move in a linear direction, which reduces the internal volume of the liquid suction channel 2206, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the liquid suction channel 2206 and pushing the material in the liquid suction channel 2206 into the switching mechanism 23. The liquid suction channel 2206 expands its volume to create negative pressure, thereby drawing the liquid from the hopper 21 into the suction channel 2206; conversely, the liquid suction channel 2206 contracts its volume to create pressurization, thereby pushing the liquid in the suction channel 2206 into the switching mechanism 23. The liquid outlet of the suction mechanism 22 is located on the side wall of the suction cavity 2201 and leads to the suction channel 2206.

[0036] In this embodiment, the suction chamber 2201 and the hydraulic cylinder 2202 are arranged vertically, that is, the axial direction of the cylindrical suction chamber 2201 is parallel to the vertical direction. Under the drive of the hydraulic cylinder 2202, the plunger rod 2203 moves linearly upward or downward in the vertical direction. The hydraulic cylinder 2202 is partially or completely fixed inside the housing 1. By setting the hydraulic cylinder 2202 and the plunger rod 2203, the suction channel 2206 is adjusted. The volume; a sleeve 2205 is installed on the top of the hydraulic cylinder 2202, and several support rods 2204 are arranged around the sleeve 2205. One end of each support rod 2204 is fixed to the hydraulic cylinder 2202, and the other end is fixed to the suction chamber 2201, thereby separating the hydraulic cylinder 2202 from the suction chamber 2201 through the support rods 2204. The sleeve 2205 surrounds the plunger rod 2203 to protect the plunger rod 2203.

[0037] The end of the liquid suction channel 2206 is connected to the liquid outlet of the hopper 21. A one-way valve 2207 is installed at the end of the liquid suction channel 2206 to achieve indirect communication between the hopper 21 and the liquid suction channel 2206. By setting the one-way valve 2207, the liquid in the liquid suction channel 2206 can be prevented from returning to the hopper 21.

[0038] At least one injection port is provided on the side wall of the suction chamber 2201. Each injection port is connected to the suction channel 2206, and an injection valve 2208 is installed at each injection port. By providing the injection port and the injection valve 2208, special cleaning fluid, such as acid or alkali, can be added into the suction chamber 2201 during cleaning.

[0039] like Figures 6-7As shown, the switching mechanism 23 has the following structure: it includes a switching valve body 2305, on which a first connecting groove 2301, a second connecting groove 2302, a third connecting groove 2303, and a fourth connecting groove 2304 are respectively opened. The first connecting groove 2301, the second connecting groove 2302, the third connecting groove 2303, and the fourth connecting groove 2304 are interconnected. The first connecting groove 2301 corresponds to the first liquid outlet of the switching mechanism 23 and is connected to the liquid inlet of the hopper 21. The second connecting groove 2302 corresponds to the second liquid outlet of the switching mechanism 23. The outlet is connected to the inlet of the homogenizer mechanism 26; the third connecting groove 2303 corresponds to the inlet of the switching mechanism 23 and is connected to the outlet of the suction mechanism 22; a plug rod 2307 is installed in the fourth connecting groove 2304, the plug rod 2307 is connected to the actuating component, the actuating component drives the plug rod 2307 to perform reciprocating linear motion, the plug rod 2307 extends forward, thereby disconnecting the first connecting groove 2301 from the third connecting groove 2303; or, the plug rod 2307 retracts, thereby connecting the first connecting groove 2301 with the third connecting groove 2303. By setting a switching mechanism 23, the flow direction of the liquid material after being pressurized by the liquid suction mechanism 22 in the flow channel is changed. The liquid material entering the switching valve body 2305 from the inlet of the switching mechanism 23 is switched to the appropriate outlet (the first outlet of the switching mechanism 23 and / or the second outlet of the switching mechanism 23) according to the needs of the homogenization mode or the cleaning mode, so that the liquid material flows in the flow direction set by the homogenization mode or the cleaning mode.

[0040] The first connecting groove 2301, the second connecting groove 2302, the third connecting groove 2303 and the fourth connecting groove 2304 are connected by several crisscrossing connecting passages 2306.

[0041] In this embodiment, the actuator used to push the blocking rod 2307 can adopt an automatic switching method controlled by the central control module 3, such as electric switching or hydraulic switching, or a manual switching method.

[0042] When the actuator is switched manually, the actuator includes a screw seat 2308 fitted into the fourth connecting groove 2304. A screw 2309 is rotatably mounted on the screw seat 2308, and one end of the screw 2309 is connected to a plug rod 2307. Rotating the screw 2309 causes the plug rod 2307 to move linearly relative to the screw seat 2308. The other end of the screw 2309 is connected to a handle 2310. By setting up the screw seat 2308, screw 2309, and handle 2310, the movement of the plug rod 2307 can be manually and precisely controlled, allowing for flexible switching of the liquid flow direction. The actuator is simple in structure, easy to operate, and low in cost.

[0043] In this embodiment, both the switching mechanism 23 and the homogenizer mechanism 26 are arranged horizontally. The axial direction of the cylindrical homogenizing cavity 2601 is parallel to the horizontal direction. For the switching mechanism 23, its second connecting groove 2302 and fourth connecting groove 2304 are arranged opposite each other in the horizontal direction, and its first connecting groove 2301 and third connecting groove 2303 are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the first connecting groove 2301 and the third connecting groove 2303 are not on the same straight line. The first connecting groove 2301 is set close to the fourth connecting groove 2304, and the third connecting groove 2303 is set close to the second connecting groove 2302. This allows the blocking rod 2307 to cut off the passage between the first connecting groove 2301 and the third connecting groove 2303 without affecting the communication performance between the third connecting groove 2303 and the second connecting groove 2302.

[0044] like Figures 8-9 As shown, the structure of the homogenizer mechanism 26 is as follows: it includes a homogenizing chamber 2601, a homogenizing block assembly 2602 is installed inside the homogenizing chamber 2601, a homogenizing flow channel 2603 is opened in the middle of the homogenizing block assembly 2602, and a nozzle 2605 is installed on the homogenizing chamber 2601. The nozzle 2605 is arranged at one end of the homogenizing flow channel 2603. The material enters the homogenizing flow channel 2603 through the nozzle 2605 and is homogenized through the homogenizing flow channel 2603. In this embodiment, a first flow channel 2606 and a second flow channel 2607 are respectively provided in the middle part of the homogenizing cavity 2601. The first flow channel 2606 and the second flow channel 2607 are distributed at both ends of the homogenizing flow channel 2603 and are connected to the homogenizing flow channel 2603. The first flow channel 2606, the second flow channel 2607 and the homogenizing flow channel 2603 are all opened along the axial direction. The liquid flows into the homogenizing flow channel 2603 through the first flow channel 2606 and then flows out of the homogenizing cavity 2601 through the second flow channel 2607.

[0045] A mounting groove is provided on the side wall of the homogenizing chamber 2601, which leads to the first flow channel 2606. The nozzle 2605 is detachably mounted on the handle 2310, which extends into the mounting groove, thereby allowing the nozzle 2605 to be built into the first flow channel 2606. This allows the liquid flowing through the first flow channel 2606 to be sprayed into the homogenizing flow channel 2603 through the nozzle 2605. In addition, inside the first flow channel 2606, the nozzle 2605 is limited by the nozzle coupling plate 2604. The nozzle coupling plate 2604 is cylindrical in shape, and its outer wall is press-fitted with the inner wall of the first flow channel 2606. A transition flow channel is provided in the middle of the nozzle coupling plate 2604 to allow the liquid to pass through. The shape of the end of the transition flow channel corresponds to the shape of the outer wall of the nozzle 2605. After the nozzle 2605 is installed in place, part of the nozzle 2605 is located in the transition flow channel. When it is necessary to replace the nozzle 2605, the nozzle 2605 is taken out from the first flow channel 2606 by the handle 2310. At the same time, the nozzle coupling plate 2604 can make a small displacement along the axial direction, so that the nozzle 2605 can be smoothly removed. Remove the old nozzle 2605 from the handle 2310, install the new nozzle 2605 onto the handle 2310, insert the new nozzle 2605 into the first flow channel 2606 through the mounting slot via the handle 2310, and then use an external tool to extend into the first flow channel 2606 to push the nozzle coupling plate 2604 back to its original position along the axial direction, thereby limiting the new nozzle 2605 through the nozzle coupling plate 2604, and the new nozzle 2605 is installed in place.

[0046] In this embodiment, the homogenizing block assembly 2602 includes several cylindrical homogenizing blocks. Each homogenizing block has an axially penetrating micro-hole (0.1mm-3mm in diameter) in its center. The homogenizing blocks are arranged concentrically along the axial direction, allowing the through-holes of each block to connect and form a homogenizing flow channel 2603. The number of homogenizing blocks can be combined according to the properties of the material to be processed or specific homogenization requirements. Furthermore, the micro-holes of the multiple homogenizing blocks within the homogenizing block assembly 2602 can have different diameters to achieve different homogenization effects. For example, high-pressure liquid materials experience better shearing when entering a large-diameter homogenizing block from a small-diameter one, and better turbulence when entering a small-diameter one from a large-diameter one. For different homogenization effects (such as emulsification, cell disruption, dispersion, grinding, etc.) and different homogenizing materials (such as food materials, positive and negative electrode materials, chemical materials, etc.), different homogenization effects can be achieved by quickly switching the homogenizing components for different products, adapting to diverse homogenization needs and producing better homogenization results—making it a multi-purpose machine. In other embodiments, the homogenizer mechanism 26 may consist of one or more Y-shaped or Z-shaped homogenizing channels.

[0047] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the pipeline connection relationship between hopper 21, liquid suction mechanism 22, switching mechanism 23 and homogenizer mechanism 26 is as follows: the first liquid outlet of switching mechanism 23 is connected to the liquid inlet of hopper 21 through the first pipe group 11, the second liquid outlet of switching mechanism 23 is connected to the liquid inlet of homogenizer mechanism 26 through the second pipe group 12, and the liquid inlet of switching mechanism 23 is connected to the liquid outlet of liquid suction mechanism 22 (corresponding to the end of the first flow channel 2606) through the third pipe group 13. The outlet of the homogenizer mechanism 26 (corresponding to the end of the second flow channel 2607) is connected to the first interface of the first connector 24 through the fourth pipe group 14. The second interface of the first connector 24 is connected to the first interface of the second connector 25 through the fifth pipe group 15. The second interface of the second connector 25 is connected to the inlet of the hopper 21 through the sixth pipe group 16. Both the first connector 24 and the second connector 25 are T-joints. The third port of the first connector 24 can be connected to an external container through a pipe assembly to output the homogenized liquid product. The third port of the second connector 25 can be connected to another liquid port of the homogenizer mechanism 26 to increase the homogenization flow path of the mechanism. When the third ports of the first connector 24 and the second connector 25 are not in use, they can be sealed with plugs to prevent liquid leakage. A cooler 28 is installed on the third tube assembly 13 to cool the liquid flowing out of the suction mechanism 22. The sixth tube group 16 is equipped with a shell-and-tube heat exchanger 27, which maintains the temperature of the liquid material by means of the spirally arranged double tube heat exchange channel. The high-pressure liquid material is sprayed out at high speed through the nozzle 2605, and the temperature of the liquid material will rise due to the shearing, turbulence or cavitation action of the homogenization treatment. The high temperature may affect the material properties or destroy the material activity, thereby affecting the subsequent processing of the material. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger 27 is used to control the temperature of the liquid material after homogenization treatment, so as to avoid the influence of temperature on the liquid material. In this embodiment, the first pipe group 11, the second pipe group 12, the third pipe group 13, the fourth pipe group 14, the fifth pipe group 15, and the sixth pipe group 16 can all be formed by splicing several short pipes or long pipes, depending on the specific usage and installation requirements. In addition, each pipe is equipped with a corresponding control valve assembly, which is configured according to the actual production requirements.

[0048] Based on the homogenizing equipment described above, this embodiment provides a cleaning method, including the following steps: like Figure 10 As shown, the liquid inlet of the switching mechanism 23 is disconnected from the first liquid outlet of the switching mechanism 23. At this time, the first blocking rod 2307 extends forward, and the first connecting groove 2301 is disconnected from the third connecting groove 2303, thereby making the homogenizing equipment in homogenizing mode. Material (such as whole milk, whey protein solution, spirulina solution, yeast solution, lithium battery positive and negative electrode slurry, etc.) is fed into hopper 21. Hydraulic cylinder 2202 retracts, driving plunger rod 2203 to descend vertically. The material flows into liquid suction mechanism 22 through hopper 21. Hydraulic cylinder 2202 extends, driving plunger rod 2203 to rise vertically. Liquid suction mechanism 22 pressurizes the material inside, causing the material inside liquid suction mechanism 22 to enter switching mechanism 23 at a first pressure, and then flow into homogenizer mechanism 26 through the second outlet of switching mechanism 23 for homogenization. In this embodiment, different materials require different choices of homogenizer and pressure during homogenization. By configuring a corresponding first pressure for different materials, the equipment can adapt to the needs of different products in the homogenization process, making it convenient and efficient. like Figure 11As shown, the liquid inlet of the switching mechanism 23 is connected to the first liquid outlet of the switching mechanism 23. At this time, the plug rod 2307 retracts, and the first connecting groove 2301 is connected to the third connecting groove 2303, thereby putting the homogenizing equipment into the cleaning mode. Cleaning fluid (such as water-based, semi-aqueous, or non-aqueous cleaning agents) is introduced into the hopper 21. The hydraulic cylinder 2202 retracts, driving the plunger rod 2203 to descend vertically. The cleaning fluid flows into the suction mechanism 22 through the hopper 21. The hydraulic cylinder 2202 extends and drives the piston rod 2203 to rise vertically. The suction mechanism 22 pressurizes the cleaning fluid inside it, so that the cleaning fluid inside the suction mechanism 22 enters the switching mechanism 23 under a second pressure. Inside the switching mechanism 23, the cleaning fluid flows out through the first outlet and / or the second outlet of the switching mechanism 23, thereby cleaning the suction mechanism 22 and / or the homogenizer mechanism 26. In this embodiment, the second pressure is much smaller than the first pressure, and selective cleaning can be performed by adjusting the magnitude of the second pressure; the specific process is as follows: When the homogenized material processed by the homogenizer does not change significantly before and after cleaning (such as changes in solid content), the second pressure can be set to be lower than the through pressure of the homogenizer mechanism 26. That is, the pressurized cleaning liquid is less likely to enter the homogenizer mechanism 26. The cleaning liquid inside the switching mechanism 23 flows into the hopper 21 and the suction mechanism 22 through the first outlet of the switching mechanism 23, thereby cleaning the hopper 21 and the suction mechanism 22. At this time, the cleaning of the hopper 21, the suction mechanism 22 (mainly the suction chamber 2201), the switching valve body 2305, and the same pipe group is mainly completed in a small area. When there are significant changes in the homogenized material processed by the homogenizer before and after cleaning (such as changes in solid content), a second pressure can be set that is greater than the through pressure of the homogenizer mechanism 26 (at this time, the second pressure is still much less than the first pressure required for normal homogenization operation). The cleaning fluid inside the switching mechanism 23 flows into the hopper 21 and the suction mechanism 22 sequentially through the first outlet of the switching mechanism 23. At the same time, the cleaning fluid inside the switching mechanism 23 flows into the homogenizer mechanism 26 through the second outlet of the switching mechanism 23, thereby cleaning the hopper 21, the suction mechanism 22 and the homogenizer mechanism 26. At this time, the main task is to complete the large-scale cleaning of the inside of the hopper 21, the suction chamber 2201, the switching valve body 2305, the homogenization chamber 2601 and the corresponding pipe group.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first pressure can be set to 10,000 psi-60,000 psi, and / or the through pressure of the homogenizer mechanism 26 can be set to 5,000 psi-10,000 psi, and / or the second pressure can be set to 1,000 psi-5,000 psi.

[0050] In this embodiment, by adjusting the value of the second pressure, a small-scale cleaning method or a large-scale cleaning method can be selected. This allows for the use of a small-scale cleaning method when performing special cleaning (such as acid or alkali solutions), thereby avoiding damage to the homogenizer mechanism 26. At the same time, since the second pressure is much lower than the first pressure, the cleaning fluid takes a longer time to pass through the homogenizing chamber 2601. Therefore, small-scale cleaning can improve cleaning efficiency.

[0051] The above description is an explanation of the present invention and not a limitation thereof. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims. Within the scope of protection of the present invention, any form of modification may be made.

Claims

1. A homogenizing device, characterized in that: Includes a housing (1), on which a homogenizing module (2) is installed. The structure of the homogenizing module (2) is as follows: it includes a hopper (21), and a liquid suction mechanism (22) is installed at the bottom of the hopper (21). The liquid suction mechanism (22) sucks in the material in the hopper (21) by means of negative pressure. The liquid outlet of the liquid suction mechanism (22) is connected to the liquid inlet of the switching mechanism (23). The first liquid outlet of the switching mechanism (23) is connected to the liquid inlet of the hopper (21). The second liquid outlet of the switching mechanism (23) is connected to the liquid inlet of the homogenizer mechanism (26). The homogenizer mechanism (26) homogenizes the material. The inlet of the switching mechanism (23) is always connected to the second outlet of the switching mechanism (23). By making the inlet of the switching mechanism (23) disconnected or connected to the first outlet of the switching mechanism (23), the flow direction of the fluid inside the switching mechanism (23) is changed.

2. The homogenizing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The structure of the liquid suction mechanism (22) is as follows: it includes a liquid suction chamber (2201), a liquid suction channel (2206) is opened in the middle of the liquid suction chamber (2201), and a hydraulic cylinder (2202) is installed at the bottom of the liquid suction chamber (2201). The output end of the hydraulic cylinder (2202) is connected to a plunger rod (2203). The plunger rod (2203) is driven by the hydraulic cylinder (2202) and slides back and forth in the liquid suction channel (2206). When the hydraulic cylinder (2202) retracts, the driving plunger rod (2203) moves in a straight line, which increases the internal volume of the suction channel (2206), thereby reducing the internal pressure of the suction channel (2206) and generating negative pressure, causing the material in the hopper (21) to flow into the suction channel (2206); When the hydraulic cylinder (2202) extends, the driving plunger rod (2203) moves in a straight line, which reduces the internal volume of the suction channel (2206), thereby increasing the internal pressure of the suction channel (2206), and pushing the material in the suction channel (2206) into the switching mechanism (23).

3. The homogenizing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the liquid suction channel (2206) is connected to the liquid outlet of the hopper (21), and a one-way valve (2207) is installed at the end of the liquid suction channel (2206).

4. A homogenizing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: At least one injection port is provided on the side wall of the liquid suction chamber (2201). Each injection port is connected to the liquid suction channel (2206), and an injection valve (2208) is installed at each injection port.

5. A homogenizing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The switching mechanism (23) has the following structure: it includes a switching valve body (2305), and the switching valve body (2305) has a first connecting groove (2301), a second connecting groove (2302), a third connecting groove (2303) and a fourth connecting groove (2304) respectively opened on its wall surface. The first connecting groove (2301), the second connecting groove (2302), the third connecting groove (2303) and the fourth connecting groove (2304) are interconnected. The first connecting groove (2301) corresponds to the first liquid outlet of the switching mechanism (23) and is connected to the liquid inlet of the hopper (21); The second connecting groove (2302) corresponds to the second liquid outlet of the switching mechanism (23) and is connected to the liquid inlet of the homogenizer mechanism (26); The third connecting groove (2303) corresponds to the liquid inlet of the switching mechanism (23) and is connected to the liquid outlet of the suction mechanism (22); A plug rod (2307) is installed in the fourth connecting groove (2304). The plug rod (2307) is connected to the execution component. The execution component drives the plug rod (2307) to perform reciprocating linear motion. The plug rod (2307) extends forward, thereby disconnecting the first connecting groove (2301) from the third connecting groove (2303); or, the plug rod (2307) retracts, thereby connecting the first connecting groove (2301) with the third connecting groove (2303).

6. A homogenizing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The execution component includes a screw seat (2308) that is fitted into the fourth mounting slot (2304), a screw (2309) that is rotatably mounted on the screw seat (2308), and one end of the screw (2309) that is connected to a plug rod (2307); Rotate the screw (2309), thereby causing the plug rod (2307) to move linearly relative to the screw seat (2308).

7. A homogenizing device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The other end of the screw (2309) is connected to a handle (2310).

8. A homogenizing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The structure of the homogenizer mechanism (26) is as follows: it includes a homogenizing cavity (2601), a homogenizing block assembly (2602) is installed inside the homogenizing cavity (2601), a homogenizing flow channel (2603) is opened in the middle of the homogenizing block assembly (2602), a nozzle (2605) is installed on the homogenizing cavity (2601), the nozzle (2605) is arranged at one end of the homogenizing flow channel (2603), the material enters the homogenizing flow channel (2603) through the nozzle (2605) and is homogenized through the homogenizing flow channel (2603).

9. A cleaning method based on a homogenizing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: The liquid inlet of the switching mechanism (23) is disconnected from the first liquid outlet of the switching mechanism (23), thereby putting the homogenizing device into the homogenizing mode. Material is introduced into the hopper (21), and the material flows into the suction mechanism (22) through the hopper (21). The suction mechanism (22) pressurizes the material inside, so that the material inside the suction mechanism (22) enters the switching mechanism (23) with the first pressure, and then flows into the homogenizer mechanism (26) through the second liquid outlet of the switching mechanism (23) for homogenization. The inlet of the switching mechanism (23) is connected to the first outlet of the switching mechanism (23), thereby putting the homogenizing equipment in a cleaning mode and introducing cleaning liquid into the hopper (21). The cleaning liquid flows into the suction mechanism (22) through the hopper (21). The suction mechanism (22) pressurizes the cleaning liquid inside, so that the cleaning liquid inside the suction mechanism (22) enters the switching mechanism (23) with a second pressure. Inside the switching mechanism (23), the cleaning liquid flows out through the first outlet of the switching mechanism (23) and / or the second outlet of the switching mechanism (23), thereby cleaning the suction mechanism (22) and / or the homogenizer mechanism (26).

10. The cleaning method for a homogenizing device as described in claim 9, characterized in that: When the second pressure is less than the through pressure of the homogenizer mechanism (26), the cleaning fluid inside the switching mechanism (23) flows into the hopper (21) and the suction mechanism (22) in sequence through the first outlet of the switching mechanism (23), thereby cleaning the hopper (21) and the suction mechanism (22); When the second pressure is greater than the through pressure of the homogenizer mechanism (26), the cleaning fluid inside the switching mechanism (23) flows into the hopper (21) and the suction mechanism (22) in sequence through the first outlet of the switching mechanism (23). At the same time, the cleaning fluid inside the switching mechanism (23) flows into the homogenizer mechanism (26) through the second outlet of the switching mechanism (23), thereby cleaning the hopper (21), the suction mechanism (22) and the homogenizer mechanism (26).

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