US 5,931,771 AGranted

Method and apparatus for producing ultra-thin emulsions and dispersions

OwnerOleg V. Kozyukinventor

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Abstract

A method of and an apparatus for producing ultra-thin emulsions and dispersions is disclosed. The method includes the steps of passing a hydrodynamic liquid flow containing dispersed components through a flow-through channel having at least one nozzle and a buffer channel and directing a primary liquid jet from the nozzle into the buffer channel, thereby creating a secondary liquid jet in the buffer channel directed toward the nozzle. The primary liquid jet and the secondary liquid jet create a high intensity vortex contact layer that creates collapsing cavitation caverns and cavitation bubbles in the high intensity vortex contact layer. Ultra-thin emulsions and dispersions are formed under the influence of the collapsing cavitation caverns and cavitation bubbles. The apparatus includes a flow-through channel having an inlet and an outlet and a nozzle located inside the flow-through channel between the inlet and the outlet and having an orifice. A primary liquid jet is created as the hydrodynamic liquid flow passes through the orifice of the nozzle. The apparatus also includes a buffer channel located in a wall of the flow-through channel opposite of the orifice of the nozzle such that the primary liquid jet is directed into the buffer channel.

Claims2

Dependent claims

A method of producing ultra-thin emulsions and dispersions comprising the steps of:

passing a hydrodynamic liquid flow containing dispersed components through a flow-through channel having at least one nozzle and a buffer channel;
directing a primary liquid jet from said nozzle into said buffer channel, thereby creating a secondary liquid jet in said buffer channel directed toward said nozzle, said primary liquid jet and said secondary liquid jet creating a high intensity vortex contact layer;
creating collapsing cavitation caverns and cavitation bubbles in said high intensity vortex contact layer;
forming ultra-thin emulsions and dispersions under the influence of collapsing cavitation caverns and cavitation bubbles;
passing for a second time said hydrodynamic liquid flow containing dispersed components through said flow-through channel having said least one nozzle and said buffer channel;
directing for a second time said primary liquid jet from said nozzle into said buffer channel, thereby creating a secondary liquid jet in said buffer channel directed toward said nozzle, said primary liquid jet and said secondary liquid jet creating a high intensity vortex contact layer;
creating for a second time collapsing cavitation caverns and cavitation bubbles in said high intensity vortex contact layer;
and,
forming further processed ultra-thin emulsions and dispersions under the influence of collapsing cavitation caverns and cavitation bubbles, whereby said material obtains further processing.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/998,250Filed 24 Dec 1997
Granted: 3 Aug 1999
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

B01F 25/4413
Characterised by the configuration of the surfaces forming the slits: the slits being formed between opposed conical or cylindrical surfaces
B01F 23/41
Mixing liquids with liquids; Emulsifying: emulsifying
B01F 25/25
Jet mixers, i.e. mixers using high-speed fluid streams: mixing by jets impinging against collision plates
B01F 2025/915
Direction of flow or arrangement of feed and discharge openings: reverse flow, i.e. flow changing substantially 180° in direction