Reducing large materials into smaller ones is a common and often necessary occurrence in the natural world. From the earth itself eroding to food being digested to rocks being broken into tools, the physical process of reducing something into smaller bits frequently permits advantages (or wonders!) that otherwise wouldn’t exist. Take, for instance, the splendor of the Grand Canyon or the awe-inspiring fact that our bodies can break apart food and air and water into life sustaining nutrients or the many ways humans have made valuable tools from rocks and wood and other resources. Indeed, the world’s very first tool — the hammerstone — was made by ancient hominids and served a purpose not unlike today’s own particle size reduction equipment: to turn something bigger into something smaller.
Modern particle size reduction equipment is categorized according to four basic types:
- Crushers - which break apart large particles into smaller ones
- Grinders - which further crumble crushed particles into powder
- Ultrafine Grinders - which pulverize ground powder into pieces 1-50 micrometers in size
- Cutters - which yield particles of a specific shape and size
Considering product hardness, consistency and volume (many machines are better suited for certain capacities), companies may use one or more of the equipment types. Many pharmaceutical companies, for instance, opt for ultrafine grinders that can reduce active pharmaceutical ingredients into superfine particles to increase bioavailability. Baby food and soup manufacturers, on the other hand, might need cutting capabilities to ensure that all food pieces in their products are similarly sized. Some manufacturers might use crushing techniques followed by grinding ones or run their products through one system multiple times. It really just depends on the overall purpose of the product being manufactured, the initial ingredient composition and how much money a company has to spend.
With all this in mind, savvy manufacturers started considering the use of high pressure homogenizers as a fifth alternative for businesses in need of particle size reduction equipment. Homogenizers effectively mix together two normally immiscible substances using high pressure. A happy result of the process: homogenizers also reduce particle size! For manufacturers looking to make an equipment investment that not only works, but works across numerous applications, a high pressure homogenizer has become a solid choice. Unlike traditional particle size reduction equipment that only makes use of one type of mechanical force, a high pressure homogenizer utilizes several different ones. And at BEE International, our proprietary system not only uses turbulence, cavitation, high shear and impact to break apart product, it also has modular components that can be customized for specific purposes. Turbulence and cavitation treatments can be altered, shear times can be reduced or lengthened and impact and intensity can be tweaked. So, just want does all this mean?
The Benefits of Using High Pressure Homogenizers (HPHs) as Particle Size Reducers:
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HPHs produce tighter distribution of smaller particles.
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HPHs achieve better particle reduction in fewer passes.
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HPHs increase manufacturing efficiency.
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HPHs reduce manufacturing costs.
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HPHs help create products with longer shelf lives, increased bioavailability and improved sensorial and biophysical properties.
Want to Learn More?
Homogenizers can be used for a lot more than milk production and laboratory tests. Manufacturers in nearly every industry can use them to accurately reduce product particle size with a flexibility unmatched by other equipment types. Contact our team at BEE International for additional information on the ways a high pressure homogenizer can streamline your manufacturing process, improve your product integrity and benefit your bottom line.
Please feel free to also download our free eBook, "How to Achieve Efficient & Consistent Particle Size Reduction,” for more tips.
