Question

You are given four samples (approximately 10% oil and 90% water) all of which have been processed to have an average fat droplet size of 1.57 microns in each. They were prepared in the following manner and have different rates of separation:

Sample 1 was processed with a standard homogenizer at 2000 psi with a velocity of separation being .3 m/s

Sample 2 was processed with a standard homogenizer at 2000 psi (1^st stage) and 500 psi (2^nd stage) with a velocity of separation being .1 m/s

Sample 3 was processed with a microfluidizer with a velocity of separation being .4 m/s

Sample 4 was processed with a standard homogenizer at 2000 psi with a velocity of separation being .5 m/s (This sample had 0.5% of an emulsifier added.) THE RATE IS NOT A TYPO.

Why are the rates of separation different?                                                                           

Answer 1

Answer to above question

Homogenization has become a standard industrial process or practise, is universally practised as a means of stabilising the fat emulsion against gravity . Principle of homgenization is based on that when large globules in coarse emulsion are passed under high pressure through a narrow orifice or nozzle are broken into small globules or particles having a great degree of uniformity or stability.

In above question there are 4 samples which are homogenised at different rate of seperation.

In first case samples are subjected to single stage homogenizer back pressure is created by process which will have affect on formation of stable complex in form of fat particles.

In second case samples are subjected to standard homogeniser with 2 stage ,here also back pressure is created but in second stage, it is done in order to acheive homogenisation efficiency and hence rate of formation of stable complex will be little higher than above case.

In third case samples are put in microfluidiser. Here Microfluidizer is a technology which is used to reduce the size of suspensions and emulsions in a way so formation of stable complex of these nano particle can done with much high efficency as compared to homogeniser.

In fourth case sample with 0.5% emulsifier is added to standard homogeniser and emulsifier is a substance that essentially helps in the formation and stabilization of an emulsions of 2 liquid interface like oil and water. Hence here also rate of seperation and it will be much higher than above all methods.

Hence in all method rate of homogenisation will be different.