Homogenizer Gap Outlet Geometry for Lower-Pressure Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing homogenizers require high energy consumption and are prone to wear and tear due to high pressures, necessitating a design that balances efficiency and durability.
Innovation Solution
A homogenizer design featuring a gap outlet with curved and/or structured outlet surfaces, including tops and grooves, and optionally a flow restricting element, to enhance hydrodynamic drag and turbulence for improved homogenization efficiency, allowing for reduced pressure requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high pressure is applied to homogenize the liquid product, then homogenization efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and wear and tear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the outlet surfaces by introducing curvature and structural features (tops and grooves). This modifies the flow parameters and hydrodynamic characteristics, enabling effective homogenization at lower pressures by enhancing turbulence and drag forces in the outlet region
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curved surfaces at the outlet of the gap instead of flat surfaces. The curvature creates favorable flow patterns that enhance hydrodynamic drag and turbulence, improving homogenization efficiency while reducing the pressure required for operation
2Manufacturing precision
If high pressure is applied to homogenize the liquid product, then homogenization efficiency is improved, but wear and tear on the homogenizer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the outlet surface geometry to enhance hydrodynamic effects, which allows achieving the same homogenization quality at reduced pressures. This parameter change directly addresses the durability issue by lowering the mechanical stress and wear on the homogenizer components
3Manufacturing precision
If the outlet surfaces are made curved and/or structured with tops and grooves, then homogenization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies complexity only where it is most effective - at the outlet surfaces of the gap. The curved and structured features are localized to specific regions rather than the entire homogenizer, minimizing overall device complexity while achieving the desired improvement in homogenization efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves more effective homogenization with lower energy consumption and reduced wear, optimizing the homogenization process while maintaining product quality.
Implementation Method 1
the homogenization efficiency is optimized due to increased hydrodynamic drag along the outlet surfaces
Implementation Method 2
The theory of globule disruption by turbulent eddies is based on the fact that an outlet stream is formed at the outlet of the gap. As the outlet stream is broken up, many small eddies are created.
Implementation Method 3
the outlet surfaces of the gap being curved and/or comprising one or more tops or grooves creates a greater wake, compared to the wake a typical straight outlet surface would create. As a result, the gap outlet of the present invention increases pressure drag
Implementation Method 4
a pump configured to feed a liquid product along a flow direction through the gap to thereby homogenize the liquid product
Implementation Method 5
To homogenize a product, it may at high-pressure be forced through a narrow gap at high velocity, effectively breaking down fat globules into much smaller particles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a homogenizer (100) configured to homogenize a liquid product (LP), the homogenizer (100) comprising: a seat (122) and a forcer (123), the forcer (123) being arranged in proximity to the seat (122) to form a gap (130) between the forcer (123) and the seat (122), wherein the gap (130) has an inlet (131) for receiving the liquid product (LP), and an outlet (132) for allowing the liquid product (LP) to exit the gap (130), the outlet (132) of the gap (130) having a first and a second outlet surface (134, 135), preferably both of the first and the second outlet surfaces (134, 135) comprises at least one top (136) and/or at least one groove (137), wherein the at least one top (136) and/or the at least one groove (137) is elevated respectively depressed by at least 0,05 mm from the respective outlet surface (134, 135).