A compression head for a homogenizing apparatus

Abstract

A compression head (100) for a homogenizing apparatus, the compression head (100) comprising: − at least two interconnected solid units (101, 102) defining at least one interface (103); − at least one gasket (3) arranged in a groove (104) which is obtained at the interface (103) and which is delimited by surfaces (105, 106) of said solid units (101, 102), the gasket (3) comprising a double tapered hollow body (4) with a rotational symmetry which is fitted in the groove (104), the hollow body (4) being made of a metal or a metal alloy or a ceramic material, the hollow body (4) comprising a core (41) having a cylindrical shape, a first end portion (42) and a second end portion (43) respectively originating on opposite sides of the core (41), both the first end portion (42) and the second end portion (43) having a frusto-conical shape.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A COMPRESSION HEAD FOR A HOMOGENIZING APPARATUS Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus. The compression head may also be used in a high-pressure pump.

[0004] The invention proposed here can be used in manufacturing fields where homogenization at high pressure is a step of the production process, such as in chemical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic industry.

[0005] In this context, “high pressure” refers to pressures equal or higher than 600 bar. The invention has been developed to solve some criticalities which are mainly met in homogenization at high pressure, but it may be beneficial in applications with lower pressures as well.

[0006] The invention can also be used in the food industry, in particular in the dairy sector or food and beverage, where homogenization is involved.

[0007] Another application of the invention is the production of carbon-based nanostructured materials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes or cellular breakdown of yeasts, algae, or microorganisms for the production of intracellular material.

[0008] Background art

[0009] As it is known, a homogenizing compression head or block comprises a high-pressure pump and a homogenizing valve assembly that act on the fluid products containing particles in order to:

[0010] - crush the particles to make their dimensions uniform, reducing the average size and the variance of the distribution in order to stabilize the product and to increase its shelf-life in the case of emulsions;

[0011] - break the cell membranes in order to facilitate the extraction of the active ingredients in the case of pharmaceutical applications;

[0012] - modify the structure of the particles in the case of chemical applications and cellulose.

[0013] In accordance with a known solution, the homogenizing valve, placed downstream of the piston pump, comprises a first chamber receiving the fluid at high pressure from the pump delivery and a second chamber capable of supplying outgoing homogenized fluid at low pressure. The homogenizing action is obtained by forcing the fluid to pass through an interspace or gap with reduced dimensions afforded between the first and the second chamber.

[0014] In high pressure homogenizing apparatuses, it is of primary importance preventing fluid leakages out of the processing zones, which may cause fluid and / or environmental contamination, chemical or biological risks, electrical short circuits, malfunction or blockage of high-pressure pump / homogenizer, risk of fire or even risk of explosion.

[0015] In the currently available solutions leakages are prevented using toric gaskets commonly known as “O-ring”, that are mechanical gaskets in the shape of a torus, or spring washers.

[0016] Both 0-rings and spring washers are designed to be seated in a groove and compressed during assembly between two or more parts, thus forming a seal at the interface.

[0017] The known gaskets are made of plastic materials, or elastomeric composites or a combination of plastic and elastomeric materials, so as to be easily fitted in a groove.

[0018] Among the plastic materials, the most used are PEEK, PTFE, PVC, PVDF, polyethylene, polyamide, nylon, polyurethane.

[0019] Among the elastomeric composites, the most used are EPDM, FKM, FFKM, NBR.

[0020] A main disadvantage of the known gaskets lies in the reduced useful lifetime due to one or more of the following conditions:

[0021] - very high pressures, i.e. , 2000 bar and more;

[0022] - pulsing pressures;

[0023] - high temperatures, for example higher than the melting point of the gasket materials;

[0024] - low temperatures, for example lower than 0°C; - cavitation phenomena;

[0025] - exposure to fibrous fluids which are more abrasive on the surfaces;

[0026] - aggressive chemical products.

[0027] Occurrence of one or more of these conditions, even if for short periods, may produce deformation, melting, rupture, and even definitive damages.

[0028] The gaskets wear out more rapidly and must be replaced with greater frequency, with dead times for the production plants.

[0029] In order to increase the lifetime of a plastic I elastomeric gasket, another solution is coupling it to a metal or plastic ring (i.e. , made of stainless steel, or PEEK or PFTE, etc.) which acts as protecting and anti-extruding barrier for the gasket.

[0030] Metal gaskets or sealings of different shapes are used in other industrial fields, such as oil and gas, chemical, automotive, industrial automation, naval industry.

[0031] Known metal gaskets for these applications include:

[0032] - planar gaskets;

[0033] - planar gaskets with circular cross-section;

[0034] - ring R joints;

[0035] - R type, BX type, RX type ring joint gaskets, either with oval or octagonal cross-section;

[0036] - lenticular gaskets;

[0037] - delta gaskets;

[0038] - weld ring gaskets;

[0039] - weld membrane gaskets.

[0040] These gaskets are usually manufactured in one of the following materials: soft Iron, low carbon steel, stainless steel, Copper, Aluminium, Nickel, Nickel-based alloys, such as Monel® or Inconel®.

[0041] The metal gaskets on the market are nevertheless not adapted for use in a homogenizing apparatus, since they cannot stand the critical factors mentioned above, that are high pressures, pulsing pressures, high / low temperatures, cavitation phenomena, exposure to fibrous fluids or to aggressive chemical products.

[0042] In addition, the known metal gaskets are not able to provide a reliable sealing effect. Indeed, there may be some leakages which are not acceptable in a homogenizing apparatus.

[0043] Disclosure of the invention

[0044] In this context, the object of the present invention is to provide a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, which overcomes the problems of the prior art cited above.

[0045] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, wherein the maintenance operations, in particular due to substitution of worn gaskets, are reduced so that dead times for the apparatus may also be reduced.

[0046] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, wherein the gaskets I sealings have an increased lifetime over the prior art solutions.

[0047] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, which can better withstand critical factors such as high pressures, pulsing pressures, high / low temperatures, cavitation phenomena, exposure to fibrous fluids or aggressive chemical products, in particular with respect to known solutions.

[0048] Another object of the present invention is to propose a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, having a gasket which is easier and quicker to replace.

[0049] Another object of the present invention is to propose a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, having a gasket system which provides a reliable sealing effect.

[0050] Another object of the present invention is to propose a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, having a gasket which may be universally used in several interfaces, so as to reduce assembling and stocking operations. The stated technical task and specified aims are substantially achieved by a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, the compression head comprising:

[0051] - at least two interconnected solid units defining at least one interface;

[0052] - at least one gasket arranged in a groove which is obtained at the interface, and which is delimited by surfaces of the solid units.

[0053] The gasket comprises a double tapered hollow body with a rotational symmetry which is fitted in the groove.

[0054] The hollow body is made of a metal or a metal alloy or a ceramic material. The hollow body comprises:

[0055] - a core having a cylindrical shape;

[0056] - a first end portion and a second end portion respectively originating on opposite sides of the core, both the first end portion and the second end portion having a frusto-conical shape.

[0057] In particular, the groove comprises a central volume having a cylindrical shape configured to receive the core, a first volume having a frusto-conical shape configured to receive the first end portion and a second volume having a frusto-conical shape configured to receive the second end portion.

[0058] Preferably, the first end portion and the second end portion are identical.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, both the first end portion and the second end portion have surfaces with a conicity value which is lower than a conicity value of surfaces delimiting the first volume and the second volume.

[0060] Preferably, both the first end portion and the second end portion have surfaces with a conicity value comprised between 10° and 80°, and the first volume and the second volume are delimited by surfaces having a conicity value comprised between 10° and 80°.

[0061] In particular, the hollow body has a longitudinal through hole which is centrally obtained in the hollow body.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention, the hollow body is made of a single piece.

[0063] For example, the hollow body is made of one of the following materials: AISI 316, AISI 316L, AISI 304, AISI 630, SAF 2205, SAF 2507, Tungsten Carbide, Silicon Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Zirconia, Allumina, Bronze, Nitronic.

[0064] In another embodiment of the invention, the hollow body comprises an inner part and an outer part which are coaxially arranged. In particular, the inner part is made of a harder material than the outer part.

[0065] For example, the inner part is made of one of the following materials: Tungsten Carbide, Silicon Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Zirconia, Allumina.

[0066] The outer part is made of one of the following materials: AISI 304, AISI 316, AISI 316L, AISI 630, SAF 2205, SAF 2507, Nitronic, Bronze, Industrial Diamond.

[0067] In particular, the inner part and the outer part are pre-coupled by shrink fitting or by conical coupling.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression head further comprises a secondary sealing system which in turn comprises:

[0069] - a discharging channel originating at the interface at a pre-established distance from the groove, the discharging channel emerging in an outer environment;

[0070] - a sealing ring arranged at the interface.

[0071] In particular, the sealing ring is coaxial and outer with respect to the groove.

[0072] The sealing ring is arranged at a distance from the groove which is longer than the pre-established distance.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the compression head comprises a plurality of interfaces and a plurality of grooves obtained at the interfaces.

[0074] A plurality of gaskets is arranged in the grooves. Each gasket comprises a double tapered hollow body with a rotational symmetry which is fitted in a corresponding groove of the plurality of grooves. The hollow body of each gasket is made of a metal or a metal alloy or a ceramic material. The hollow body comprises:

[0075] - a core having a cylindrical shape;

[0076] - a first end portion and a second end portion respectively originating on opposite sides of the core, both the first end portion and the second end portion having a frusto-conical shape.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the compression head further comprises a pumping valve assembly arranged in the groove. The pumping valve assembly comprises a ball check valve or poppet and the gasket, which also acts as a seat valve.

[0078] In particular, the first end portion of the gasket is configured to receive the ball check valve or poppet.

[0079] Preferably, the first end portion has an inner chamfered edge surrounding a longitudinal through hole passing through the hollow body so as to allow the rest of the ball check valve or poppet.

[0080] The pumping valve assembly further comprises a spring arranged on an opposite side of the gasket with respect to the ball check valve or poppet.

[0081] Brief description of drawings

[0082] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will more fully emerge from the non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0083] - figure 1 illustrates a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, in a perspective view, according to the present invention;

[0084] - figure 2 illustrates the compression head of figure 1 , in a cross- sectional view;

[0085] - figure 3 illustrates a gasket of the compression head of figure 2, in a perspective view;

[0086] - figure 4 illustrates a pumping valve assembly of the compression head of figure 2, in cross-sectional view, according to one embodiment of the invention; - figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the pumping valve assembly of figure 4;

[0087] - figure 6 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a gasket of the compression head of figure 2;

[0088] - figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the gasket of figure 6;

[0089] - figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the pumping valve assembly of figure 5, in a perspective cross-sectional view.

[0090] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0091] With reference to the figures, number 100 indicates a compression head or compression block for a homogenizing apparatus.

[0092] The compression head 100 comprises at least two interconnected solid units 101 , 102 defining at least one interface 103.

[0093] In this context, the interface 103 is defined by contacting surfaces of the two solid units 101 , 102.

[0094] Preferably, the two solid units 101 , 102 are fixedly coupled, for example by screwing or similar means.

[0095] At the interface 103 it is obtained a groove 104 which is delimited by surfaces 105, 106 of the solid units 101 , 102.

[0096] The groove 104 houses a gasket 3.

[0097] The gasket 3 comprises a hollow body 4 with a rotational symmetry. The hollow body 4 is a double tapered hollow body and comprises:

[0098] - a core 41 having a cylindrical shape;

[0099] - a first end portion 42 and a second end portion 43 respectively originating on opposite sides of the core 41 , both the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 43 having a frusto-conical shape.

[0100] The gasket 3 is shown in figure 3.

[0101] In particular, the hollow body 4 is fitted in the groove 104.

[0102] The groove 104 is shaped so as to receive the hollow body 4.

[0103] In particular, the groove 104 comprises a central volume having a cylindrical shape configured to receive the core 41 , a first volume having a frusto-conical shape configured to receive the first end portion 42 and a second volume having a frusto-conical shape configured to receive the second end portion 43.

[0104] The cylindrical core 41 allows to separate the sealing action of the first end portion 42 and of the second end portion 43. In addition, the cylindrical core 41 serves for centering the hollow body 4 in the groove 104.

[0105] The cylindrical core 41 is also beneficial for avoiding deformation or extrusion of the two end portions 42, 43 once the two solid units 101 , 102 are fixedly coupled, for example by screwing.

[0106] In fact, in case of absence of the cylindrical core 41 , there would originate an empty space between the common base of the two end portions 42, 43 and the central volume of the groove 104.

[0107] According to embodiments of the invention, illustrated in figures 4 to 7, the hollow body 4 is made of a single piece. Thus, the core 41 , the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 43 belong to the same single piece. Advantageously, the hollow body 4 is made of a metal or a metal alloy or a ceramic material.

[0108] For example, the hollow body 4 is made of AISI 316L.

[0109] Alternatively, the hollow body 4 is made of one of the following materials: AISI 316, AISI 304, AISI 630, SAF 2205, SAF 2507, Tungsten Carbide, Silicon Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Zirconia, Allumina, Bronze, Nitronic, Industrial Diamond.

[0110] The solid units 101 , 102 may be made of one of the following materials: SAF 2507, SAF 2205, AISI 316, AISI 316.

[0111] The hollow body 4 has a longitudinal through hole 44 which passes through the whole body from the first end portion 42, to the core 41 , to the second portion 43.

[0112] In particular, the longitudinal through hole 44 is obtained centrally in the hollow body 4. The axis of symmetry A-A of the hollow body 4 coincides with the axis of the longitudinal through hole 44.

[0113] Preferably, the longitudinal through hole 44 which passes through the hollow body 4 has a constant diameter, which may increase at the two ends.

[0114] Preferably, the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 43 are identical. In particular, the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 43 have the same shape and dimensions.

[0115] Accordingly, the first volume and the second volume of the groove 104 are also identical.

[0116] Having identical end portions 42, 43 allows to obtain a gasket 3 that is reversible. This allows to avoid mistakes during the assembly procedure, the assembly direction being not important.

[0117] According to one aspect of the invention, both the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 43 have surfaces with a conicity value which is lower than a conicity value of the surfaces 105, 106 delimiting the first volume and the second volume.

[0118] In particular, both the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 43 have surfaces with a conicity value comprised between 10° and 80°.

[0119] The surfaces 105, 106 delimiting the first volume and the second volume of the groove 104 have a conicity value comprised between 10° and 80°.

[0120] Thanks to this choice of conicity ranges and to the fact that the two end portions 42, 43 have surfaces with a lower conicity value than the surfaces 105, 106, the hollow body 4 is forced within the groove 104 to provide a sealing action upon coupling and tightening the solid units 101 , 102.

[0121] The forcing effect established between the hollow body 4 and the surfaces 104, 105 allows to retain the processed fluid under pulsating delta conditions, which typically occur in positive displacements pumps or homogenizers.

[0122] According to other embodiments of the invention, the gasket 3 is made of more parts. In particular, the hollow body 4 is made of two parts 4a, 4b.

[0123] In particular, the hollow body 4 comprises an inner part 4a and an outer part 4b which are coaxially arranged.

[0124] Preferably, the inner part 4a is made of a harder material than the outer part 4b. In particular, the inner part 4a is made of a material having higher surface hardness characteristics, such as advanced ceramics or sintered hard metals, than the material used for the outer part 4b.

[0125] For example, the inner part 4a is made of one of the following materials: Tungsten Carbide, Silicon Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Zirconia, Allumina, Industrial Diamond.

[0126] The outer part 4b is made of a more ductile material, such as for example AISI 304, AISI 316, AISI 316L, AISI 630, SAF 2205, SAF 2507, Nitronic, Bronze.

[0127] Preferably, the inner part 4a and the outer part 4b of the hollow body 4 are pre-coupled by shrink fitting, or by conical coupling or other convenient methods.

[0128] In a preferred embodiment, the gasket 3 is also provided with a secondary sealing system, which comprises a discharging channel 108 originating at the interface 103. In particular, the discharging channel 108 originates at a pre-established distance from the groove 104 which houses the gasket 3.

[0129] The aim of the discharging channel 108 is collecting residual leakages of product. In order to assure that the leakages do not affect the whole interface 103, the secondary sealing system further comprises sealing means 109 arranged at the interface 103 at a distance from the groove 104 which is longer than the pre-established distance.

[0130] In particular, the sealing means 109 comprise a sealing ring which is arranged at the interface 103, coaxially and outer with respect to the groove 104.

[0131] The sealing ring 109 is arranged at a distance from the groove 104 which is longer than the pre-established distance.

[0132] In particular, the origin of the discharging channel 108 is interposed between the groove 104 and the sealing ring 109.

[0133] For example, the sealing ring 109 is a planar seal.

[0134] Preferably, the sealing ring 109 is made of a plastic material, such as PTFE. Thanks to the sealing ring 109 a product leakage occurring between the groove 104 and the gasket 103 remains confined in the portion of interface 103 which is within the sealing ring 109. The product leakage is thus forced to flow into the discharging channel 108.

[0135] Preferably, the discharging channel 108 is in fluid communication with an outer environment at a low pressure so that the sealing ring 109 is not affected by high stress. In particular, the discharging channel 108 is fluid communication with atmosphere.

[0136] In practice, in case of leakages of product in the groove 104, due for example to a slight clearance between the groove 104 and the gasket 103, the groove 104 is in fluid communication with the discharging channel 108 by means of the interface 103.

[0137] The secondary sealing system allows to increase the reliability of sealing. In addition, the product collected by the discharging channel 108 may be recycled in the process.

[0138] This is beneficial since it avoids interrupting the process and allows to recycle part of the product.

[0139] Figures 4 and 5 show the gasket 3 within a pumping valve assembly 1 which is partially housed in the groove 104.

[0140] In particular, the pumping valve assembly 1 can be either a delivery valve or a suction valve.

[0141] The groove 104 is in communication with an elongated bore which also houses part of the pumping valve assembly 1. In the embodiments of figures 4-5, the elongated bore is obtained within one of the solid units, in particular the one numbered as 101 .

[0142] The pumping valve assembly 1 comprises a ball check valve or poppet 2 and the gasket 3.

[0143] Advantageously, in the pumping valve assembly 1 the gasket 3 acts both as a gasket and as a valve seat.

[0144] In fact, the gasket 3 is configured to receive the ball check valve 2.

[0145] The ball check valve 2 is arranged on the gasket 3, mainly protruding in the longitudinal bore.

[0146] In particular, the first end portion 42 of the hollow body 4 is configured to receive the ball check valve 2.

[0147] Preferably, the first end portion 42 has an inner chamfered edge 420 which surrounds the longitudinal through hole 44 passing through the hollow body 4 so as to allow the rest of the ball check valve 2. This is visible in figures 3 to 5.

[0148] In order to have a completely reversible gasket, the second end portion 43 also has an inner chamfered edge which surrounds the longitudinal through hole 44 passing through the hollow body 4 so as to allow the rest of the ball check valve 2.

[0149] The pumping valve assembly 1 further comprises a spring 5 arranged in the longitudinal bore, on the opposite side of the gasket 3 with respect to the ball check valve 2.

[0150] In particular, the ball check valve 2 is interposed between the gasket 3 and the spring 5.

[0151] As usual, the spring 5 is provided for promoting a quick closure of the ball check valve 2, that means the ball check valve 2 is forced to rest on the gasket 3 avoiding or reducing leakages.

[0152] The spring 5 is interposed between the ball check valve 2 and a valve cover 6 arranged in the longitudinal bore and acting as a limit.

[0153] In figure 8 it is illustrated a pumping valve assembly 1 with the gasket 3 consisting of a hollow body 4 made of two parts 4a, 4b.

[0154] As it is visible, the inner part 4a and the outer part 4b are coaxially arranged.

[0155] For example, the inner part 4a is made of one of the following materials: Tungsten Carbide, Silicon Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Zirconia, Allumina.

[0156] The outer part 4b is made of a more ductile material, such as for example AISI 304, AISI 316, AISI 316L, AISI 630, SAF 2205, SAF 2507, Nitronic, Bronze.

[0157] Preferably, the inner part 4a and the outer part 4b of the hollow body 4 are pre-coupled by shrink fitting, or by conical coupling or other convenient methods.

[0158] The gasket 3 finds various application in the compression head 100, as illustrated in figure 2.

[0159] In particular, the gasket 3 may be used in a stand-alone configuration within the groove 104, i.e., the gasket 3 is not within a pumping valve assembly.

[0160] Figures 6 and 7 show the gasket 3 as a stand-alone element in a groove 104 of the compression head 100.

[0161] The groove 104 is in communication with an elongated bore 107 obtained within one of the solid units, in particular the one numbered as 101 .

[0162] The characteristics of a compression head for a homogenizing apparatus, according to the present invention, are clear, as are the advantages.

[0163] As already explained, the specific design of the gasket, which is double tapered, serves for simplifying and speeding up the assembly.

[0164] In fact, the cylindrical core of the gasket allows to separate the sealing action of the first end portion and of the second end portion. In addition, the cylindrical core serves for centering the gasket in the groove.

[0165] The cylindrical core is also beneficial for avoiding deformation or extrusion of the two end portions once the solid units of the compression head are fixedly coupled.

[0166] The proposed gasket is made of a metal or a metal alloy or a ceramic material. This allows to avoid the use of plastic or elastomeric gaskets, thus overcoming the issues of the state of the art.

[0167] In particular, the proposed gasket has an increased lifetime over the prior art solutions.

[0168] In addition, the materials employed for the gasket allows to better withstand high pressures, pulsing pressures, high / low temperatures, cavitation phenomena, exposure to fibrous fluids or to aggressive chemical products.

[0169] In particular, when the gasket is made of a material with good elastic properties (such as AISI 316L), the same may be quickly and easily extracted from the groove without any issues of deformation.

[0170] Furthermore, the reliability of the gasket is also improved by the secondary sealing system allowing to collect product leakages and to reuse the collected product in the same process.

[0171] The proposed gasket may be used in several locations of a compression head, so as to reduce assembling and stocking operations.

[0172] For example, the proposed gasket may be used within a pumping valve assembly. In this case, the gasket may also act as a valve seat. This reduces the number of components in the pumping valve assembly, with benefits in terms of reduced maintenance and replacement operations.

[0173] In fact, there is no more need for a case for the valve seat, with relative 0- ring and anti-extrusion ring.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A compression head (100) for a homogenizing apparatus, the compression head (100) comprising:- at least two interconnected solid units (101 , 102) defining at least one interface (103);- at least one gasket (3) arranged in a groove (104) which is obtained at said interface (103) and which is delimited by surfaces (105, 106) of said solid units (101 , 102), characterized in that said at least one gasket (3) comprises a double tapered hollow body (4) with a rotational symmetry which is fitted in said groove (104), the hollow body (4) being made of a metal or a metal alloy or a ceramic material, said hollow body (4) comprising:- a core (41) having a cylindrical shape;- a first end portion (42) and a second end portion (43) respectively originating on opposite sides of the core (41 ), both the first end portion (42) and the second end portion (43) having a frusto-conical shape.

2. The compression head (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said groove (104) comprises a central volume having a cylindrical shape configured to receive the core (41), a first volume having a frusto-conical shape configured to receive the first end portion (42) and a second volume having a frusto-conical shape configured to receive the second end portion (43).

3. The compression head (100) according to claim 2, wherein the first end portion (42) and the second end portion (43) are identical.

4. The compression head (100) according to claim 3, wherein both the first end portion (42) and the second end portion (43) have surfaces with a conicity value which is lower than a conicity value of surfaces (105, 106) delimiting the first volume and the second volume.

5. The compression head (100) according to claim 4, wherein both the first end portion (42) and the second end portion (43) have surfaces with a conicity value comprised between 10° and 80°, said first volume and saidsecond volume being delimited by surfaces (105, 106) having a conicity value comprised between 10° and 80°.

6. The compression head (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body (4) has a longitudinal through hole (44) which is centrally obtained in the hollow body (4).

7. The compression head (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body (4) is made of a single piece.

8. The compression head (100) according to claim 7, wherein said hollow body (4) is made of one of the following materials: AISI 316, AISI 316L, AISI 304, AISI 630, SAF 2205, SAF 2507, Tungsten Carbide, Silicon Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Zirconia, Allumina, Bronze, Nitronic.

9. The compression head (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hollow body (4) comprises an inner part (4a) and an outer part (4b) which are coaxially arranged, wherein the inner part (4a) is made of a harder material than the outer part (4b).

10. The compression head (100) according to claim 9, wherein the inner part (4a) is made of one of the following materials: Tungsten Carbide, Silicon Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Zirconia, Allumina, said outer part (4b) being made of one of the following materials: AISI 304, AISI 316, AISI 316L, AISI 630, SAF 2205, SAF 2507, Nitronic, Bronze, Industrial Diamond.

11. The compression head (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the inner part (4a) and the outer part (4b) are pre-coupled by shrink fitting or by conical coupling.

12. The compression head (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a secondary sealing system which in turn comprises:- a discharging channel (108) originating at the at least one interface (103) at a pre-established distance from said groove (104), said discharging channel (108) emerging in an outer environment;- a sealing ring (109) arranged at said interface (103), said sealing ring(109) being coaxial and outer with respect to the groove (104), the sealing ring (109) being arranged at a distance from the groove (104) which is longer than the pre-established distance.

13. The compression head (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of interfaces (103) and a plurality of grooves (104) obtained at said interfaces (103), the compression head (100) further comprising a plurality of gaskets (3) arranged in said grooves (104), each of said gaskets (3) comprising a double tapered hollow body (4) with a rotational symmetry which is fitted in a corresponding groove of the plurality of grooves (104), the hollow body (4) of each of said gasket (3) being made of a metal or a metal alloy or a ceramic material, said hollow body (4) comprising:- a core (41) having a cylindrical shape;- a first end portion (42) and a second end portion (43) respectively originating on opposite sides of the core (41 ), both the first end portion (42) and the second end portion (43) having a frusto-conical shape.

14. The compression head (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pumping valve assembly (1 ) arranged in said groove (104), the pumping valve assembly (1 ) comprising a ball check valve or poppet (2) and said gasket (3) which also acts as a seat valve, the first end portion (42) of said gasket (3) being configured to receive the ball check valve (2) or poppet.

15. The compression head (100) according to claim 14, wherein the first end portion (42) has an inner chamfered edge (420) surrounding a longitudinal through hole (44) passing through the hollow body (4) so as to allow the rest of the ball check valve or poppet (2).

16. The compression head (100) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said pumping valve assembly (1) further comprises a spring (5) arranged on an opposite side of the gasket (3) with respect to the ball check valve or poppet (2).

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