Homogenization

What is homogenization?

In bulk material handling, “mixing” and “homogenization” are essentially synonyms. However, among processing experts, homogenization refers to a specific type of mixing.

While mixing processes always involve the incorporation of diverse components, the definition of homogenization is achieving an even distribution of diverse components within a mixture or pile. A homogenous mixture is one that is uniform in particle size, moisture, color, and temperature.

What do homogenizing mixers do?

In comparison to highly intensive mixing processes like deagglomeration, homogenizing mixers operate gently and require very little energy. As such, particles retain their size and shape during homogenization.

When raw materials are processed for industrial manufacturing purposes, the resulting mixture must be as homogenous as possible. To this end, many silos have built-in homogenization functions to keep the mixture from segregating during storage or feeding.

Industrial mixing machines from amixon^® can be built to a wide variety of dimensions, with the volume of homogenizer vessels ranging from 10 to 10,000 liters. This selection of high-performance homogenizing mixers gently and expertly blend even the most fragile ingredients without generating dust or pulverizing particles. Furthermore, these multifunctional mixers can perform different functions, including intensive deagglomeration and dispersion.

Applications of homogenizing mixers in industry:

• • Processing minerals and earth materials
  • Seasoning and spice mixtures
  • Instant soup powders
  • Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
  • Baking mixtures
  • Tablets
  • Instant beverages, tea, and coffee
  • Infant formula   
  • Dessert mixtures, such as pudding and souffles
  • Household detergents
  • Garden fertilizers and plant foods

amixon^® mixers with volumes greater than 50m³ are usually equipped with MultiPlane^® mixing tools, a specially-designed mixing blade that gently homogenizes by creating a three-dimensional flow within the dry ingredients, a process that requires little energy both for mixing and for discharging.

With unparalleled longevity, many amixon^® mixers are still in operation after 20 years. Easy on the ingredients, on the environment, and on your budget, amixon^® homogenizing mixers are an investment that makes sense.

Homogenization in an amixon^® mixer

Within the mixing vessel, a helical mixing blade initiates the homogenization process. The rotation drives the mixing goods upwards along the periphery of the vessel. When the goods arrive at the top of the mixing chamber, they flow back down along the center-mounted shaft.

This three-dimensional current within the vessel manages to capture all of its contents, regardless of variations in the size or moisture content of the different particles. In as few as 20 to 30 rotations, the entire contents of the mixing vessel will have been thoroughly conveyed, resulting in a homogenous mixture which cannot be improved upon further.

Homogenization is a crucial processing technique for diverse industries, including food, chemical, and pharmaceutical processing. These applications often implement high-pressure, high-shear homogenizers to produce emulsions. A large amount of energy is necessary to operate such homogenizers, and the heavy-duty nature of these applications requires that the equipment is frequently serviced.

As such, amixon^® mixers present a less resource-intensive alternative for producing perfectly homogenous blends. Capable of processing droplets with diameters ranging from 0.5 to 5 microns, the mixers are suitable for most processing requirements. With a multi-tiered rotor configuration and specialized, ultrafine stators, amixon^® mixers can quickly yet gently convey ingredients in just a few rotations.

Cleaning a homogenizing mixer

amixon^® mixers are equipped with automated cleaning technology that sprays down the insides of the mixing vessel after discharging. After the homogenized ingredients have been discharged, the WaterDragon^® spray nozzles emerge from behind their closure flaps and douse the interior with cleaning solution. This way, even hard-to-access parts like vents, pumps, and seals can be reliably sanitized.

This automated system conforms with standards for CIP (Clean in Place) techniques. Every aspect of the cleaning process, from the duration to the temperature can be adjusted on a batch-by-batch basis.