Gaulin Corporation

Apv Homogenizer Group, a Division of Apv North America, Inc.

Apv Homogenizer Group, Div. of Apv North America

Apv Homogenizer Group

William D Pandolfe

R Daniel Ferguson

Richard R Kinney

An homogenization valve design yields improved homogenization efficiency. The length of the valve surface relative to the valve seat or land is controlled so that the overlap is limited. This allows convergence between turbulent mixing layers and a homogenization zone. Preferably some overlap is provided, however, to contribute to the stability of the valves and avoid destructive chattering.

Homogenization valve

A valve assembly includes a stack of valve members which define a number of annular valve slits between knife-edge valve seats and opposing valve surfaces. The valve members are rings having grooves formed therein to define a low pressure liquid chamber. A ridge between the central hole in each ring and the chamber groove forms the knife edge valve seat. Homogenizing pressure can be controlled by flexing a bearing plate at the end of the stack of valves. Spring elements between the valves bias the valves apart when they are released by the hydraulic valve actuator to enable cleaning of the valve slits.

Homogenizing apparatus and method

It has been determined that homogenizing efficiency can be increased substantially by expressing the fluid through a valve in which the valve seat has a knife edge configuration and the valve gap has an optimum height of less than 0.003 inch. To provide the high flow rate required in most industrial applications, the total length of slits within a valve assembly, each having the optimum gap, is selected for given homogenizing and back pressures. In a preferred embodiment, in order to provide the extended slit length necessary within such a valve assembly, a plurality of annular valve slits are provided between stacked valve members within the assembly.

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Billerica, MA, United States of America

William D Pandolfe