One common question we are asked, “Why should I use a Microfluidizer instead of a Homogenizer?”   Let’s look at each to give you a better idea.

Homogenizers

High speed tank mixers, Inline High Speed Mixers, Colloid Mixers, and High Pressure Homogenizers are all capable of homogenization.  Some may use shear, some may use impingement and some may use high pressure through an orifice.  In this Blog, we will be speaking about High Pressure Homogenizers.

High Pressure Homogenizers

A machine used in Food/Beverage, Personal Care, and Biotech/Pharma industries for dispersion, shear, and stability of product.  Homogenizers have been around for many years.  They are most widely used in the dairy industry for dispersing and mixing the milk fat globules for a more uniform product that doesn’t separate later.    Generally, Homogenizers are capable of pressures from 500psi up to 20,000psi.  They are equipped with a high pressure positive displacement pump and homogenizing valve that can adjust the size of the orifice/gap/impact area for changing the product output characteristics.  Ketchup production is another food application where High Pressure Homogenizers are used to help prevent water separation and provide a uniform smooth texture.

Biotech, Pharmaceutical and Personal Care applications for High Pressure Homogenizers may include: Cell disruption in Proteins/Enzymes/Bacteria; Active ingredient dispersion; Stabilization of emulsions; and Solids dispersion for texture and enhanced shelf life

Each application is different for High Pressure Homogenizers.  Some users may use a Single Pass Homogenizer with a single-stage homogenizing valve while others may choose multiple pass or Two stage homogenizing valves.  Holland Applied Technologies and its partners can help in pointing you the right direction.  Our experience processing many different products through the years can help in addition to trial/rental machines that may be available.

Microfluidizers

A machine capable of very high pressures that forces liquid through a fixed orifice/chamber for shear and impact to achieve smaller particle size and uniform distribution of the product.  Microfluidizers are used in more in Biotech/Pharma and some Personal Care applications.   Microfluidizer pressures range from 500psi up to 30,000psi.  A high pressure positive displacement pump feeds the Microfluidizing chamber with an engineered orifice and labyrinth type path to achieve results.  Multiple passes may be required through the unit to achieve final product consistency and particle size.  Microfluidizers are used in applications such as: Encapsulation; cell disruption; Liposomes, particle size reduction and Nanoemulstions.

Differences

Homogenizers generally have larger throughput than Microfluidizers. Microfluidizers however can achieve smaller particle size and are easily scalable. Microfluidizers are used in higher difficulty applications with higher cost products. Multiple passes through either unit may achieve different results. Multiple passes may not always end up with smaller particle size but instead a more distributed particle.

Contact Holland Applied Technologies if you would like to learn more about the differences and advantages of either the High Pressure Homogenizer or Microfluidizer line of products. We can walk through the process with you to find the best solution for your application.