Two physics principles govern emulsification, dispersion and grinding:

  ·  The higher the amount of energy applied to the process, the smaller the particle size produced.
  ·  The more uniformly the energy is applied, the narrower the distribution of the particle sizes produced.

Similarly, for cell rupture, the higher the energy input, the higher the more complete the rupture process. Our proprietary technology maximizes the available energy and allows its uniform application in a fully controlled manner. Four physical effects can be used to apply the energy to the product during processing:

  ·  Cavitation
  ·  Impact
  ·  Shear
  ·  Process duration

Only our proprietary technology allows independent control of pressure, flow, cavitation, impact, shear, and process duration. Essentially, the product is driven at ultra high pressure - up to 45,000 PSI (3,100 bar) - through a small nozzle - 0.04" to 0.08" (0.1mm to 0.2mm), causing cavitation. The product becomes a high velocity jet stream and flows through an absorption cell. The absorption cell contains alternating small and large orifices that create turbulence and cause fluid on fluid impact and shear. Special configurations allow feeding of hot, viscous, hard and abrasive phases, as well as grinding of hard particles.

All the above is uniquely accomplished with no grinding or mixing action. The energy is applied fluid-on-fluid, offering exceptionally long lifecycle of all parts.

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Process control starts right at the product intake, which can be laminar, for a gentle process, or turbulent (shown) for pre-mixing. The product then flows through a small nozzle - 0.004" to 0.005" (0.1mm to 0.2mm), becomes a high velocity jet stream and continues into an absorption cell.

The absorption cell contains alternating small orifices - from 0.02" to 0.04" (0.5mm to 1.0mm) - and large orifices - typically 0.1" (2.6mm) - which create turbulence and cause fluid on fluid impact.

In the most basic configuration, the product then flows out. Some products tend to boil when, due to high velocity, the pressure drops below the vapor pressure. All BEE homogenizers include a means of exerting back-pressure to prevent boiling if undesirable.

In a second typical configuration, the jet is made to reverse on itself and to exit near the nozzle, thus causing more impact and fluid on fluid shear.

The duration of the process is controlled by the length and internal configuration of the absorption chamber. The drawing to the right shows a short reverse flow setup.

A constant processing pressure narrows the size distribution of the processed product. Our proprietary High Pressure Pumping System is designed to produce constant pressure and eliminate contamination. High pressure is required to generate the high-velocity stream in the Homogenizing Cell. To ensure constant and uninterrupted processing, our pumping system employs several hydraulically driven intensifier pumps. Intensifier operation is synchronized to produce constant pressure. The isolator component of the High Pressure Pumping system eliminates cross contamination between pumping fluids and product fluid.

Production systems are supplied with extra intensifiers than supplied. Individual intensifiers can be turned off for troubleshooting or cleaning without interrupting production. Full system capacity is typically maintained when one intensifier is turned off.

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