Language selection

Search

Dairy processing: Aseptic processing and packaging systems
Homogenizer

The homogenizer is a high pressure pump that produces a homogenized product by reducing the size of fat globules as they are forced through a small orifice under high pressure. Since the homogenizer is a positive pump, it can be utilized as a flow control device.

If the homogenizer is utilized as a flow control device, refer to the Flow control device (FCD) section.

General conditions

  • Has filters, homogenization valves, pistons, seat valves, pressure gauges and dead ends that are clean and in good mechanical condition
  • The product contact surfaces are stainless steel or other food grade, non-corrosive material
  • The homogenizers are equipped with appropriate gauges
  • The homogenizers are installed downstream from the holding tube in the aseptic zone are of an aseptic design, to prevent contamination of the sterilized product

Homogenizer larger than flow control device

  • Homogenizers larger than the flow control device are designed and installed so that the flow rate is not affected
  • Homogenizers located downstream do not affect the flow rate (for example physical break, pressure sensors in holding tube, flow control device is a meter based timing system)

If a homogenizer located downstream from the flow control device has a capacity greater than the flow control device:

  • the homogenizer is not a flow promoter. For example:
    • install a recirculation line between the inlet (suction line) and the outlet (pressure line) of the homogenizer to prevent the homogenizer from "starving"
      • this line is unrestricted and does not contain a shut-off valve, but may contain a check valve allowing flow only from the outlet back to the inlet
      • the diameter of the recirculation line including the check valve is equal or greater than the supply line to the homogenizer
  • the homogenizer does not reduce the holding time and does not reduce the pressure required in the holding tube to keep the product in the liquid phase
Date modified: