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New era for emulsion homogenization: Field study shows transparent emulsion results with GEA NiSoX-Valve

18 Jan 2019

GEA homogenizers are used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications and have been achieving excellent results in terms of cell disruption and emulsifying effects for many years. With the NiSoX-Valve, GEA has changed the homogenization process for processing micro- and nanoemulsions for the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries significantly, further strengthening this leading position.

New era for emulsion homogenization

Following up on GEA’s presentation of this innovation at ACHEMA 2018, the results of the first field study undertaken at a customer site are being made available now prior to POWTECH 2019: “After testing in our Process Technology Center in Parma we stress-tested this technology in a real application for the first time. And we’re pleased that we were even able to exceed our original laboratory results,” states Kai Becker, Head of Product Group Management Homogenization at GEA. “We have succeeded in producing a nearly transparent emulsion.” The new NiSoX-Valve geometry optimizes energy distribution during homogenization, thereby reducing particle size and significantly improving the homogenization effect. (GEA at POWTECH, April 9 to 11, 2019, Nuremberg, hall 3/3-231)

Field study confirms improved product properties

Since 2018, GEA and its customer have been testing the new process intensively using the NiSoX-Valve in production to demonstrate the reduction of particle sizes and uniform particle distribution. In the field study, the emulsion formulation consisted of water (80%), fat phase (15%) and surfactant (5%). The practical tests confirm that the polydispersity index is lower than that of conventional valves, especially for applications in the high pressure range from 700 to 1,500 bar. This improves physical and visual properties such as viscosity, transparency and gloss – all very desirable in the processing of pharmaceutical and cosmetic nanoemulsions. NiSoX leads to near transparent emulsions.

Reversing the principle of homogenization

Previously, homogenizing valves were designed to minimize the distance between the passage head and the impact head in order to achieve the required micronization of the particles. However, the NiSoX-Valve reverses this principle: In contrast to the standard process, GEA does not press the medium to be emulsified into an annular gap – but rather out of it. This results in much better particle distribution, higher dilution and reduction in the cohesive forces. The medium then collides radially in the chamber of the CCMS (Cavitation Cloud Modulating System). The imploding gas bubbles in the adjustable cloud cavitation can therefore more easily micronize the particles.

Controlled process conditions achieve consistent product results

Matteo Folezzani, Mechanical Engineer in the Product Development for Homogenization at GEA, explains the innovative technology: “We’ve leveraged the fluid dynamic effects that happen within the NiSoX-Valve which means we are now able to control the effectiveness and efficiency by moving what we call the cavitation cloud. It can be adjusted according to the product being processed and the specific inlet conditions.” In addition, there is a second effect: Manufacturers need fewer batch circulations to achieve the desired result. Likewise, the number of passages at a given pressure can be reduced.

Further applications for NiSoX in the pipeline

Looking ahead, Becker sees more applications in addition to the production of nanoemulsions: “Due to the fluid-dynamic effects of GEA NiSoX, the field tests show that the new technology prolongs the lifespan of the plant machinery. This is particularly interesting, for example, for dispersions in chemical and pharmaceutical applications, because they are generally very abrasive. We will further investigate this field of use. The first results are very promising and confirm the high potential of this new technology already shown with emulsions. We are available for customer to test their dispersion mixture and quantify the advantages in term of pressure reduction and energy recovery.”

"Try and Buy" option for customer testing

Customers are able to validate the results on their products at laboratories at the GEA Process Technology Center in Parma, Italy. GEA also offers to test the NiSoX-Valve – via its “Try and Buy” option – directly at customer plants.

“Powerful Change“ – GEA at POWTECH April 9 to 11, 2019, Nuremberg, hall 3/3-231.

Media Relations

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft

Peter-Müller-Str. 12


40468

Düsseldorf


Germany

+49 211 9136-0

À propos de GEA

GEA est un des principaux fournisseurs de l'industrie agroalimentaire et d'autres industries, qui sont à l’origine d’un revenu consolidé qui a atteint près de 4,9 Mrd EUR en 2019.

C’est un groupe international spécialisé dans les machines et les installations, ainsi que dans les technologies de procédés et composants. GEA fournit des solutions énergétiques durables, utilisées dans des process de production de pointe pour divers marchés, et offre une gamme complète de services. Le groupe réalise près de 70 % de son revenu dans l'industrie alimentaire et des boissons, un secteur caractérisé par une croissance durable de long terme. Au 31 décembre 2018, la société employait plus de 18 500 personnes dans le monde. GEA est un leader du marché et des technologies dans ses secteurs d'activité. La société est cotée sur l'indice boursier allemand MDAX (G1A, WKN 660 200), sur l'indice STOXX® Europe 600 et sur des indices de durabilité globale MSCI sélectionnés.
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