High pressure homogenization is a mechanical process that works to reduce particle size or to lyse cells. Essentially, a liquid is forced at high pressure through a very narrow nozzle. The higher the amount of energy applied during the homogenization process, the smaller the particle size or the more complete the cell lysis.
Below, we’ll discuss the forces used to apply this energy; as well as the differences that set DeBEE high pressure homogenizers apart from the competition.
Our unique BEE International technology begins right at the product intake, which can be laminar and gentle, or turbulent for premixing. As the liquid enters the homogenizer nozzle, there is a sharp drop in pressure, causing cavitation. Cavitation occurs when a rapid pressure change causes “liquid-free zones” or cavities in a liquid. As these cavities collapse, shock waves are generated throughout the liquid, which causes the particles to break apart.
The liquid continues on into an absorption chamber which contains alternating small and large orifices, which creates turbulence and causes fluid-on-fluid impact and shear. As a result of the application of these forces (cavitation, turbulence, impact and shear), the liquid that now flows out of the homogenizer has a much smaller particle size than before.
The DeBEE Difference
The above process describes a basic high pressure homogenizer set up, but our DeBEE high pressure homogenizers offer several additional benefits:
- Process Intensity and Duration: Our high pressure homogenizers can be configured with a reverse flow setup, where the high velocity liquid jet is made to reverse on itself and to exit near the nozzle, thus causing even more impact and fluid-on-fluid shear. The duration of the process can be controlled by the length and internal configuration of the absorption chamber. Process intensity is adjustable from 2000 - 45000 psi / 150 - 3100 bar.
- Constant Pressure: A constant processing pressure leads to a more uniform particle size. Our unique High Pressure Pumping System uses several hydraulically driven intensifier pumps for a constant, uninterrupted processing pressure. This pumping system also eliminates the possibility of contamination. Read more about it here.
- Modular Technology: BEE International’s proprietary technology allows independent control of pressure, flow, cavitation, impact, shear, and process duration. This allows you to optimize cell lysis or particle size reduction and obtain the best possible results for your product.
Contact us today to request a quote or a demonstration and experience the DeBEE difference! For more information about particle size reduction and how to achieve efficient and consistent results, download our FREE eBook:
