One of the most valuable qualities of a piece of research equipment, as many scientists would agree, is diverse laboratory use. For example, particle size reduction equipment accommodates the chemical, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and biotechnology industries. And importantly, high quality particle size reduction equipment will allow you to optimize the quality of your product. Read below for a compilation of specific mechanical forces that all equipment SHOULD have, but that only the best ACTUALLY have, largely specific to homogenizers.
- Cavitation
Classically known as the formation of liquid-free spaces within a liquid, cavitation is a phenomenon that can occur when a high amount of pressure is exerted on the liquid. Through pressure, the liquid achieves high kinetic energy, which in turn increases velocity. Although cavitation can be disadvantageous for some products, in particle reduction it is desirable. (1)
- High Shear Rates
Particularly beneficial when a dispersion is required, high-shear mixers mix two normally immiscible phases, such as with water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions. Although high shear mixers may also reduce particle size, some homogenizers are actually able to achieve higher shear rates.
- Impact
Channeled mostly to bead mills, impact helps to reduce the particle size of solids into liquids by using grinding beads. Although bead mills are most commonly used to lyse difficult-to-disrupt cells, particularly those with cell walls, the force of impact allows them to also effectively reduce particle size.
- Adjustable Process Intensity
Process intensity, or pressure, is critical to any homogenizer. However, not all homogenizers have the ability to achieve an impressive maximum intensity, and certainly not all homogenizers have adjustable process intensities. A higher intensity will achieve smaller particle sizes in fewer passes. When you search for a homogenizer, look for one that can attain up to 45,000 PSI or higher.
As you hunt for particle size reduction equipment that will suit your lab’s purposes, consider the above factors and how they will improve the quality of your products. Although many companies produce this equipment, few incorporate all of these factors. One example of equipment that does contain each of these factors is the high pressure homogenizer.
Pion's BEE brand products are trusted by researchers and lab managers around the world for key benefits, such as production of nano/micro emulsions, dispersions, and suspensions; importantly, this equipment can achieve consistent particle sizes at or below 100 nm, a key benefit for researchers & corporations across a wide variety of industries.
To learn more about Pion's products, click here.
