Homogenization, also known as micronization, is the process of reducing the particle size of two insoluble liquids or solids to aid in the process of dispersion and emulsification. The process was initially discovered and refined by Auguste Gaulin in 1900, when he introduced the world’s first homogenizer at the Paris World’s Fair. This early machine pushed a mixture of cream and milk through a set of small tubes to homogenize milk. Since then, homogenization equipment has become much more advanced, although the basic principle and technique of homogenization remains largely the same, utilizing high pressure and force to force liquids through small orifices to aid in emulsion.
All homogenizations result in the creation of a dispersion, where particles of one medium are evenly spread throughout another medium. Dispersions can be further classified into solutions, suspensions, and colloids – a mixture somewhere between a solution and a suspension.
Homogenization and the creation of dispersions is an important process step in numerous industries. For example, in the world of biotech, which includes the fields of cellular biology and molecular biology, homogenization involves the reduction in size of various types of biological samples, tissues, and cells. While homogenization decreases the particle size, it ensures that the composition is equal throughout and that the overall molecular makeup of the sample is not compromised.
Particle size reduction through homogenization and the creation of dispersions have numerous applications in the fields of pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetic, chemical, and food. In many industries that require the use of active ingredients, homogenization is a vital process step that reduces active ingredients to a small enough size to ensure a thorough dispersion throughout the medium produced.
The Pion Advantage
Pion's BEE brand offers a variety of homogenizers for virtually every industry and every application, from small scale and research & development work, to pilot plants and full-scale production. Our products all produce consistent and reliable particle size reduction as well as the following benefits:
- High performance technology
- Powerful experimentation options
- Easy to clean, use, and maintain, with no disassembly required
- Equipped with spare parts and tools
- Maximum operating pressures of up to 45,000 psi (3,100 bar)
- 100% guaranteed scalability of results
- Lifetime training for new employees and students
For more information on how our line of homogenizers can best suit your company’s needs, please contact us.