Method and apparatus for preparing emulsions

Abstract

Method and apparatus for continuously producing emulsions with particles of a disperse phase liquid in a continuous phase liquid, employing an emulsifying vessel which is interiorly provided with a gravitative flow surface and a feeder for supplying the continuous phase liquid to the flow surface for forming thereon a stream of the continuous phase liquid. On the other hand, disposed within the emulsifying vessel is a rotary atomizing head which is connected to a disperse phase liquid source and a rotational drive means and maintained at a high voltage to stratify and form a spray of atomized particles of the disperse phase liquid flying toward the flow surface under the influence of centrifugal force and electrostatic action. The disperse phase particles from the rotary atomizing head are entrained and dispersed in the stream of the continuous phase liquid on the flow surface of the emulsifying vessel to form an emulsion. The resulting emulsion is collected in a receptacle. In some cases, the emulsifier is provided with a hot steam feed pipe for feeding hot steam to the rotary atomizing head to prevent solidification of atomized disperse phase particles on the atomizing head.