When an equipment (called homogeniser) forces a liquid sample through a system to break it, reduce particle size and homogenise it, the process is known as
high-pressure homogenisation. Depending on the specific system setup, a high-pressure homogeniser may employ a combination of shear forces, impact, and cavitation to achieve the desired effect. The end goal is to create a uniform, stable mixture of substances, often by breaking down larger particles into smaller, uniform sizes. Smaller particles reduce the chances of phase separation, ensuring better consistency, texture and lifespan of final products. The process is most commonly used in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and food production to cosmetics and biotechnology.
A typical high-pressure homogeniser consists of a high-pressure pump, a homogenising valve, and some additional components, such as heat exchangers, to manage temperature during processing. If you are wondering that all this is just a fancy way of describing mixing, you are far from right. Unlike simple mixing, intense high pressure is applied to break down particles into smaller, uniform sizes to create emulsions in high-pressure homogenisation. It is several notches above the good old regular mixing.
Usually, the workings of a high-pressure homogeniser revolve around three steps – shearing, impact and cavitation. Shearing is the process where the liquid is forced down a narrow valve with increased velocity and pressure, disrupting particle clusters to create finer dispersions. Impact comes into play when accelerated particles collide against a solid surface or with each other, breaking down even more. Cavitation refers to the part where high-pressure zones create low-pressure pockets within the liquid, making bubbles that release energy to break down particles when collapsing. The three processes work together – and separately as well- to produce nano-sized particles and stable emulsions. These emulsions offer enhanced stability, texture and bioavailability.
Which industries need high-pressure homogenisation?
Pharma – While formulating drugs, homogenisation – which creates nanoparticles – improves the final output’s solubility and bioavailability. As a result, high-pressure homogenisers are very important for the pharma industry.
Food and Beverages – High-pressure homogenisers are essential during food processing. For example, in homogenised milk, one can’t separate cream from dairy. Such milk is useful in food chains to create consistent-tasting coffees, speciality drinks, milkshakes, etc.
Beauty and personal care industry – High-pressure homogenisers play a vital role in the uniform consistency and stability of products such as moisturisers, sunscreens, serums, lip tints, lip gloss and foundations.
Biotechnology – Homogenisers are used in cell disruption processes to release intracellular materials for the production of proteins, enzymes, and other biological substances. These processes are essential to create vaccines and other therapeutics.
Chemicals and coatings – High-pressure homogenisers are responsible for creating fine emulsions for paints, coatings, and various industrial lubricants. The particle reduction ensures even application of paints.
The various kinds of high-pressure homogenisers
Single-stage homogenisers – These are used in industries such as food and dairy, where moderate pressure is sufficient to break down particles.
Two-Stage Homogenisers – In the pharmaceutical industry, two different pressures in a single pass work better to create finer emulsions.
Valve homogenisers – These homogenisers force the product through a narrow valve to break down particles. These are more commonly used in smaller applications requiring precise control.
Ultrasonic homogenisers – In industries where nano-sized particles are required, ultrasonic homogenisers are used. These systems use ultrasonic waves to achieve particle reduction.
What’s the future of high-pressure homogenisers?
In the future, advancements in the field of nanotechnology will improve the efficiency of ultrasonic homogenisers like never before. AI and automation will further enhance the efficiency of homogenisers while minimising energy loss. The demand for sustainable systems and equipment will also drive manufacturers to create systems that use less energy, have better cooling mechanisms and are customisable for different applications.
High-pressure homogenisation is a versatile, efficient, and reliable method for producing high-quality emulsions, suspensions, and cell lysates. Whether in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, or biotechnology, this technique continues to be integral to modern manufacturing, ensuring that products meet rigorous standards for quality and performance. As technology advances, the applications and effectiveness of high-pressure homogenisers are only expected to grow, making them a valuable asset in various industrial processes.
Microfluidics – The future of high-pressure homogenisation
Microfluidics does it all with flying colours, be it nanoemulsions, nanoencapsulation, nanoparticles, cell disruption, deagglomeration or uniform particle size reduction. This equipment can be capable of processing small, investigatory samples to pilot and produce exceptional deagglomeration. Their product range is known as the Microfluidizer® high shear fluid processors. These homogenisers deliver unparalleled, consistent, dependable and scalable results in the areas of submicron particle size reduction, dispersion, cell rupture and the narrowest particle size distributions. Leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, energy, cosmetic/cosmeceutical, and food/nutraceutical companies trust Microfluidics to deliver superior nanoemulsions for their requirements.
To know more about Microfluidics high-pressure homogenisers, click on this link –
https://www.idexindia.in/microfluidics/ 
