Homogenizer Outlet Restriction for Low-Pressure Liquid Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing homogenizers require high energy consumption and suffer from wear and tear due to high pressures, necessitating a design that is both energy efficient and robust.
Innovation Solution
A homogenizer design featuring a flow restricting element at the outlet, curved or structured outlet surfaces, and optimized gap geometry to enhance turbulence and pressure drag, reducing the need for high homogenization pressures.
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 increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the gap (height, length, width ratios) to optimize the flow characteristics and turbulence generation. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective homogenization at lower pressures, reducing energy consumption while maintaining homogenization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The gap is designed with specific segmented dimensions (height between 0.01-0.1mm, length 0.1-10mm, width 0.1-10mm) that create optimal turbulence zones. This segmentation of the flow path enhances mixing efficiency without requiring proportionally higher pressures
2Manufacturing precision
If high pressure is applied to homogenize the liquid product, then homogenization efficiency is improved, but wear and tear increases
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the gap dimensions (height 0.01-0.1mm, length 0.1-10mm, width 0.1-10mm), the patent achieves effective homogenization at reduced pressure levels, thereby decreasing the mechanical stress and wear on the homogenizer components while maintaining reliable operation
3Productivity
If gap length is increased to handle greater liquid product flows, then flow capacity is improved, but boundary layer growth increases and turbulence decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the gap length parameter (0.1-10mm) to balance flow capacity with turbulence maintenance. This specific length range allows sufficient flow throughput while preventing excessive boundary layer development, thereby maintaining the velocity and turbulence needed for effective homogenization
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 improved homogenization efficiency with reduced energy consumption and increased durability by optimizing turbulence and pressure drag, allowing for effective fat globule disruption with lower operational pressures.
Implementation Method 1
the restricting element causes greater turbulence by forcing the stream to break-up, as well as it increases pressure drag such that turbulence is increased after the wall
Implementation Method 2
it increases pressure drag such that turbulence is increased after the wall
Implementation Method 3
In the gap, a boundary layer is formed along the gap surfaces of the forcer and the seat which causes friction drag on the liquid flowing through the gap
Implementation Method 4
a boundary layer is formed along the gap surfaces of the forcer and the seat which causes friction drag on the liquid flowing through the gap
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), a flow restricting element (150) facing the outlet (132) of the gap (130) to thereby break up a stream (S) of liquid product (LP) coming from a gap (130) into at least two separate streams (S', S"), the flow restricting element (150) being arranged at a distance (D40) from said outlet (132) being at most 20 times a minimum height (D1) of the gap (130).