Homogenizing valve design and its influence on milk fat globule dispersion: II. High rate of flow (1000 1 h-1, 6000 < Re < 15000)

Abstract

SUMMARYThe performance characteristics of a valve accepting a high rate of milk flow and operating at Reynolds’ numbers (Re) of 6000–15000 have been studied. Features of valve design which improved homogenizing efficiency were identified. As with small valves operating at lower Re numbers, efficiency increased as D0/D increased beyond 0·5; for D0/D ≈ 0·7, a 15% reduction in mean globule size was obtained. Changes of face angle up to 45° had virtually no effect on milk fat globule dispersion. The use of impact rings produced only small improvements in dispersion. The incorporation of perforated insets led to substantial globule size reductions of 15–25% or the equivalent in reductions of homogenizer energy consumption of 12–35%.