A new homogenizer design from the Nanojet division of U. S. company Haskel International provides savings in both equipment and operating costs over traditional high pressure methods of mixing oil and water based liquids. The patented high/low design homogenizers may be used in both laboratory prototyping and production of fine microemulsions, nanosuspensions and stable liposomes for chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and personal care products.

Homogenization can only be achieved by simultaneous mixing and droplet size reduction. This process has traditionally required that a premixed raw emulsion of oil and water be pumped to high pressure to attain the necessary size reduction in the oil droplets. The need for mixing tanks and high power consumption of the process has usually limited homogenization to very expensive products or those which require less stability and consequently use lower homogenzing pressures.
In contrast, the new Nanojet accepts both liquids at zero pressure, eliminating the need for high pressure mixing tanks. Hydraulically driven intensifiers elevate the pressure of the oil phase to a level between 400 and 2,000 bar (depending on product specifications), while the water phase is pumped into the homogenizing valve with a pressure of only 100 to 150 bar. Within the valve, the two fluid streams are released into a common interaction zone that is kept under a pre-set back pressure, where they collide at high velocity. The total mixture is discharged via a two-stage outlet valve that enhances homogenization.
The process produces a 1.6 degree (C) temperature increase for each 100 bar discharge pressure increase. Because this is far lower than traditional homogenizing units, cooling costs are said to be reduced as much as 80 percent.
A comparison of energy consumption conducted by the manufacturer showed 223 kW for traditional homogenizing and 48.9 kW for the Nanojet system to support an hourly production rate of 4,000 liters of an emulsion for a low-fat sauce.
Use of lower pressures to achieve comparable products produces additional capital savings because the costs of all equipment increase more than proportionally when pressure requirements are increased.
The newly designed homogenizers are available in small sizes for research and product prototyping and in high capacity production models. Demonstrations can be arranged at customer locations, allowing companies to evaluate the system in their own production or laboratory facilities. Leasing arrangements are also available.
Haskel International acquired the homogenizer manufacturer, Nanojet Engineering Gmbh of Germany, in 1997 to complement its line of high pressure liquid pumps and gas boosters. Users of the homogenizing systems now have access to Haskel's worldwide sales, service and support facilities.
Headquartered in Burbank, California, USA, Haskel International has offices and subsidiaries throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Nanojet is a registered trademark.

For additional information, contact:
Haskel International Inc.
Peter Duffy
V. P. Sales and Marketing100 East Graham Place
Buurbank, CA 91502 USA
Tel +1 818-843-4000
Fax +1 818-841-4291

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