The new GEA NiSoX-Valve technology introduces a complete change in high pressure homogenization technology. The NiSoX-Valve design optimizes different fluid dynamic effects employing the energy in the most efficient and effective way.
GEA NiSoX-Valve
The new NiSoX-Valve geometry facilitates a better distribution of energy inside the device. The better concentration of energy towards the middle of the valve and the effect of a modulated cloud cavitation are the most important elements that promote a more effective micronization of particles, and above all a significantly enhanced uniformity of the product.
It may surprise you how many products need homogenization in their manufacturing process to make them more compatible with your daily life. Stabilization and a longer shelf life have always been among the highest priorities in many different processing industries but, especially nowadays, as lifestyles continue to change rapidly, they are becoming more and more valued.
The design of the new GEA NiSoX-Valve combines mainly four factors optimizing the energy generated inside the system:
The effect of these factors on the flow is made possible only by virtue of a new mechanical configuration, the NiSoX-Valve is made up of only few active components: a deflector, a radial collider and the CCMS system (Cavitation Cloud Modulating System).
Passing through the adjustable deflector, the liquid accelerates to a high speed, whereupon the radial impact occurring in the radial collider generates a powerful cavitation effect, micronizing the particles more effectively and achieving an improvement in the physical properties of products.
Launched for VHP applications in pharma, cosmetic and chemical industries, the NiSoX-Valve is now suitable for processing emulsions (micro and nanoemulsions) in the pressure range of 200-1500 bar opening up to the food and beverage industries.
The GEA NiSoX-Valve delivers unprecedented results in terms of standard deviation (or polydispersity index), and high level of micronization not reachable with other devices.
The NiSoX-Valve is available for the complete GEA homogenizers range, from the laboratory unit to industrial scale.
Homogenization process for pharma and cosmetic emulsions
GEA homogenizers are used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications with brilliant results in terms of cell disruption and emulsification effects since many years already. The NiSoX-Valve will further strengthen that leading position. Dedicated to emulsions, the results are promising to set a new standard in the production of pharmaceutical and cosmetic emulsions.
One recent example of a micro and nano emulsions formulation consisted of water (80%), fat phase (15%) and surfactant (5%).
The technology and application know-how leading position of GEA and a close collaboration with experts of key customers enabled GEA to develop a new system for homogenization which achieves distinctive results on the final products with unique efficiency. The new NiSoX-Valve technology facilitates fluid dynamic phenomena and improves the micronization effect on particles as well as the homogenization effect, resulting in almost transparent emulsions.
Tests performed in some production plants clearly show how effective the NiSoX-Valve can be in regards of particles size reduction and uniform particles distribution; as a consequence also the number of passages at a given pressure can be reduced.
Particles size figure
Particles distribution figure
Number of passes figure
Matteo Folezzani, Mechanical Engineer in the Product Development for Homogenization, explains the innovative technology behind the NiSoX-Valve.
“With NiSoX-Valve we leveraged fluid dynamic effects that happen within the NiSoX-Valve; in particular we are now able to control the effectiveness and efficiency by moving the what we call “cavitation cloud”. It can be adjusted according the product processed and inlet conditions”.
Kai Becker, Head of Product Group Management Homogenization adds:
“Customers have the chance to validate the results on their product in collaboration with our Process Technology Center in Parma. Application experts and a fully-fledged laboratory are at our customer’s disposal to develop the best operating conditions to homogenize the customers’ product. Customers further have the possibility to test the NiSo-X Valve on a «try and buy» basis in their facilities. Once the results are validated, the results can be scaled-up.
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