A high-pressure homogeniser is a device used to reduce the size of particles to create a more uniform mixture. It is commonly used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries to improve the texture, stability, and appearance of products.
A high-pressure homogeniser is a device that homogenises liquids, emulsions, or suspensions by forcing them through a small opening (the homogenising valve) under very high pressure (often between 100 and 600 bar). This is widely applied in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries.

How does the homogenisation process work exactly?
The product reaches the homogenisation valve at low speed and high pressure. The passage through the constriction causes a violent acceleration followed by immediate deceleration. This results in three main effects: impact (the fluid velocity rises to as much as 900 km/h and collides with the impact ring, reducing particle size), cavitation (pressure drop causes gas bubbles that implode and create local shockwaves), and shear forces (intense turbulence that further breaks down and evenly distributes particles).

What is the difference between a single-stage and a two-stage homogeniser?
Homogenisers can have a single or double homogenising chamber. Two-stage units are used for specific fat products to prevent re-aggregation of fat globules after the first treatment stage.

FBF high-pressure homogenisers are used for which applications?
Including for the homogenisation of milk, sauces, dressings, and drinks such as juice and plant-based milk (foodstuffs), injections, creams, and suspensions (pharmaceuticals), lotions and emulsions (cosmetics), and paints, coatings, and inks (chemicals).

De voordelen van hogedrukhomogenisatie zijn: * Verbeterde stabiliteit van emulsies en suspensies * Verhoogde effectiviteit van actieve ingrediënten * Verbeterde textuur en mondgevoel * Verlengde houdbaarheid van producten * Verminderde grootte van de deeltjes (voor suspensies) of druppels (voor emulsies) * Verbeterde oplosbaarheid van bepaalde stoffen * Gelijkmatige verdeling van ingrediënten * Verhoogde efficiëntie van chemische reacties (in sommige toepassingen)
Improved stability and longer shelf life, better absorption due to smaller particles, consistent distribution of ingredients for a uniform product, and scalability for both small and large production volumes.

What are the disadvantages or points to consider?
The process requires a lot of energy, which increases operational costs, the high pressure and shear forces can cause wear to parts such as the homogenisation valve, and the process can generate heat which may be undesirable for heat-sensitive products.

What are the FBF series and what are their capacity ranges?
FBF Italia offers, amongst other things, the FBF0000, FBF4000, FBF5000, FBF7000 and FBF8000 series for industrial applications, with capacities ranging from a few thousand to 60,000 litres per hour, as well as laboratory and pilot models such as the Microlab-400 (ice homogeniser, 400 l/h at 120 bar) and the Minilab 2.2/2.5 (up to 600 bar, approximately 50 l/h).

What are the main technical features of the compression head?
The compression block is manufactured from a single block of special grade stainless steel, with a 5-year warranty against cracks and defects. Pump pistons are coated with a special “Diamond Like Carbon” material for extra wear resistance, and the valves are designed with aligned moving parts for durability and energy efficiency.

The drive system of an FBF homogeniser is constructed as follows:
The pump body is made of high-quality cast iron, the crankshaft is machined from a single piece of special steel, has undergone multiple heat treatments and full nitriding, and is supported by bronze roller bearings. The drive train features a double reduction stage with V-belts/pulleys and worm gears, and the high-pressure lubrication system is cooled and actively filtered with oil pressure and temperature monitoring.

What options are available for an FBF homogeniser?
Including a two-stage homogenisation valve, digital pressure sensors, electrical actuation (fixed or variable), an aseptic version with sterilisation barriers, pulsation dampeners, automatic shutdown at too low inlet pressure, and an automatic homogenisation pressure regulator.

Are the machines tested as standard before delivery?
Yes, FBF homogenisers are delivered having been tested and calibrated (plug-and-play).

Wie is de fabrikant van de FBF hogedrukhomogenisatoren?
FBF Italia Srl is an Italian manufacturer (founded in 1987, based in Sala Baganza) of industrial and laboratory homogenisers and volumetric pumps, with a global presence in over 40 countries and more than 4,700 units produced. Hyprosys is the Dutch partner/distributor.