Comparison of Emulsification in a Sieve Emulsification Mixer, Homogenizer and Mechanical Mixer

Abstract

The formation of liquid-liquid mixtures is frequently required in the chemical industry and related sectors. Improvement or introduction of new methods and constructions which reduce the energy consumption, without compromises in terms of final product quality, is important. This study discusses three types of emulsion preparation methods, among which mechanical mixing and homogenization are well known, while the sieve emulsification mixing (SEM) is less known. The application of the last method is foreseen in the preparation of cosmetic emulsions and in the metallurgical industry during mechanical levelling of metal alloy objects. The tested apparatus is designed to produce a highly dispersed oil-water mixture, with the smallest possible size of the droplets created. Droplets were analysed on the basis of the average diameters d32 and d43. The used SEM configuration allowed to achieve smaller droplet diameters than the standard mechanical mixer, although they were not as small as in the case of the homogenizer.