Turning a Lab Homogenizer into a Flow-Through Chamber
Laboratory homogenizers represent a significant investment for research organizations engaged in developing new processing procedures across a broad range of industries. Integrating or adding a flow through chamber to the homogenizer mixer greatly increases its functionality by enabling inline processing or extending the exposure of samples to the homogenization action.
Here’s What Flow-Through Chambers Do
In a conventional lab homogenizer scenario samples remain in the flask or beaker and are continuously drawn into and discharged from the homogenizer rotor-stator assembly. Other than the speed of the homogenizer drive motor there is little control over how long the samples are processed in the assembly. One way of getting around this is extending the processing time in the flask.
In the same way, conventional homogenizing procedures provide no means of transferring the samples from point A to point B or, to otherwise state, support inline processing.
Extending Homogenization Dwell Time
Couple a CAT Scientific DK30 stainless steel flow-through chamber to CAT G 20 or G 30 homogenizing dispersing tools (respectively 2000 and 3000 liter capacities) and operate the homogenizer drive motor in the same way you would for standard emulsifying and dispersing. Material is drawn through clamped tubing into the bottom inlet and processed by the rotor-stator then discharged through clamped tubing from a side outlet either back to the beaker or to another container. Dwell time in the flow through chamber is controlled by restricting the outlet flow.
Using Flow-Through Chambers for In-Line Homogenizing-Mixing
Higher processing capacity is accomplished with the 5000 liter per hour DK40 flow-through chamber mounted directly to a homogenizer drive motor operating to 22,000 rpm, both assemblies firmly fixed on a horizontal mounting plate. This assembly is equipped with a cooling jacket and is ideal for drawing samples from container A for processing, then discharging into container B. It’s a simple 4-step exercise:
- Attach and clip the inlet and outlet tubes, routing as needed.
- Attach coolant circulation tubes if the samples are affected by heat
- Position the sample container at the same level as the chamber
- Be certain that the inlet tube and flow-through chamber are filled
With this in place you’re ready to start in-line processing via a lab homogenizer.
For additional information on how flow-through chambers operate please click here.