What is a homogenizer?

A homogenizer is a processing unit that is used to homogeneously mix, smooth and size reduce fluid products, e.g. suspensions, dispersions and other mixtures. During homogenization, solid and liquid particles are broken down to produce a fine, smooth product with an even structure and consistency.

 

Application examples

Homogenizers are used in various areas of research and industry, with typical applications being in the food, dairy, healthcare, pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetics industries.

 

Food industry

  • Stretching® (smoothing) of yoghurt, fromage frais, and similar cultured dairy products

  • Homogenization of fruit juices and milk (milk creaming is prevented)

  • Smoothing of sauces and dips

Cosmetics industry

  • Emulsification of perfume and aromatic substances

  • Processing of waxes to prevent the tendency to crystallize

  • Diluting active detergents such as SLES

Pharmaceutical industry

  • Wet grinding of active ingredients

  • Emulsification of multi-phase liquid mixtures

Chemical industry

  • Emulsification of bitumen

  • Homogenization of silicone mass and adhesives

  • Wet grinding of pigments for lacquers and paints


Rotor-stator homogenizer

In order to produce the smallest particle sizes, the greatest possible concentration of the crushing energy must take place in the smallest possible space. Various types of homogenizers can be used for this. One of the best known is the rotor-stator homogenizer, also known as the high shear homogenizer.  Another is the high-pressure homogenizer, which requires a lot of investment and maintenance.

 

The rotor-stator homogenizer is characterized by several concentrically arranged cylindrical slotted rings. These rings mesh so that the fluid alternately passes through the slotted rotor and stator rings. The high peripheral speed of the rotors breaks up the particles when they hit the slot edges and due to the high shearing forces in the micron range.

The YTRON-Z homogenizer

With the YTRON-Z Inline Homogenizer, YTRON offers the perfect solution for your application.

 

The reactor head of the YTRON-Z homogenizer can be equipped with up to three sets of rotor/stator, which have an extremely small radial distance. Depending on the required shearing effect, the homogenization effect can be influenced by various parameters. The adjustment is made individually and precisely to suit your product and to produce the required particle size.

Parameters:

  • Slot width

  • Number and spacing of shear slots

  • Number of rotor/stator sets

  • Peripheral speed

  • Flow rate

Advantages

Typically only one pass is required to guide one or more liquid components, and any substances suspended in them, through the tooth cage labyrinth of the YTRON-Z homogenizer. Recirculation is not necessary in most cases. The inline principle enables reproducible and uniform results in a short process time. Further advantages of the YTRON-Z homogenizer are the hygienic design and the gentle treatment of shear sensitive products with a single passage through the rotor stator system.