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US 5,899,564 AGranted
Homogenization valve
AssigneeAPV Homogenizer Group, Div. of APV North America
InventorsRichard R. Kinney, William D. Pandolfe, R. Daniel Ferguson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An homogenization valve design yields improved homogenization efficiency. The length of the valve surface relative to the valve seat or land is controlled so that the overlap is limited. This allows convergence between turbulent mixing layers and a homogenization zone. Preferably some overlap is provided, however, to contribute to the stability of the valves and avoid destructive chattering.
Claims7
A homogenizer valve comprising:
- a stack of annularly-shaped valve members defining a central hole and axial fluid conduits with homogenization occurring as the fluid passes between the central hole and the axial fluid conduits through intervening annular valve gaps defined by opposed valve surfaces and valve seats, the gaps being less than 0.003 inches, in which the downstream terminations of the valve surfaces have an overlap that is less than 0.025 inches;
- and
- annular springs that align adjoining pairs of the valve members, the springs fitting in spring-grooves formed in the valve members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.