Homogenizing method and apparatus
US4127332A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1976 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01F25/50
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for the homogenization of a multicomponent stream including a liquid and a substantially insoluble component, which may be either a liquid or a finely divided solid. The homogenization process is effected by passing the multicomponent, fluid stream through a turbulent shear layer having a substantial velocity gradient there-across and designed such that turbulent vortical eddies generate a cavitating flow regime. The cavitating flow regime allows the generation of vapor bubbles which move downstream into a region of pressure and violently collapse. The violent bubble collapse creates intense pressure pulses which cause the intimate intermixing of the liquid and the substantially insoluble component such that the effluent, a resulting emulsion, has an exceptionally long separation half-life with a very high emulsification coefficient. When the insoluble component is a particulate solid, the collapse of the cavitation bubbles further subdivides those particles such that the effluent is a colloidal suspension. The turbulent shear layer may be effected with a homogenizing unit having a relatively small diameter sharp-edged orifice. One or more suita…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.