WO2023156843A1 - An equipment for homogenization of fluids and a method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An equipment (100) for homogenization of fluid is provided. The equipment includes an inlet portion (102), a cylindrical housing (104), a driving motor (110), and a feed-out portion (112). The inlet portion receives a definite volume of a fluid subjected to homogenization. The cylindrical housing includes a central shaft (106) that is installed along a horizontal axis of the cylindrical housing and a plurality of discs (108) mounted on the central shaft. Each of the plurality of discs includes a first disc valve (108a) and a second disc valve (108b). The driving motor is operational to directly drive the central shaft along the horizontal axis at a pre-defined velocity. The feed-out portion is operatively coupled to a rear end (104a) of the cylindrical housing. The feed-out portion includes a closed lid (114) that is unfastened to allow discharge of the fluid from the equipment upon completion of homogenization.

Description

AN EQUIPMENT FOR HOMOGENIZATION OF FLUIDS AND A METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME

EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE:

This Application claims priority from a Provisional patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202241008026, filed on February 15, 2022, and titled “A DIRECT DRIVE HOMOGENIZER AND A METHOD TO OPERATE THE SAME”

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to a homogenizer and more particularly to an equipment for homogenization for fluids and a method for operating the same.

BACKGROUND

Homogenization is the mechanical process of reducing the size of fat particles in milk to extremely small particles and distributing it uniformly throughout the volume of milk. In other words, homogenization is the process of mixing two manually non-soluble liquids uniformly. Typically, homogenization is performed by a homogenizer which is industrial equipment.

Unprocessed or Raw fluids like milk contain 3 to 5 percent fat particles and about 8 percent SNF (Solids-Not-Fat) particles both of which are soft in nature. The fat globules that are of size 200 to 250 microns form clusters and float to the surface of the milk and get separated as a cream layer due to the lower density. Floating cream layer is not desirable because it does not allow packaging and distribution or processing of milk for other purposes in large volumes which is a major problem in the dairy industry. The dairy industry is using ‘homogenization’ to break up large fat particles into much smaller ones that are evenly distributed in the milk. This process involves subjecting milk to high pressure at a temperature of about 80 degrees Centigrade. Milk, under high pressure and temperature, passes through narrow gaps in the homogenizer valves. This process provides the breaking of fat globules into tiny particles that blend with milk and get evenly distributed.

Traditionally used homogenizer includes a motor-operated plunger that produces heavy compression to a fluid and all its constituents by blocking the path between stage valves under heavy spring pressure. Some homogenizers use hydraulic force on the upper valve to produce the necessary compression force. The output capacity of the equipment varies based on the method used. The valves at different stages block the free flow of the fluid and force the fluid to pass through narrow openings and hit a rubber ring which breaks the large particles in the fluid into finer particles, which then mix with the fluid readily. During this process, the entire quantity of the fluid is compressed and released as per the set plunger pumping. Most of the power used to operate the plungers is consumed to compress a large quantity of fluid, while only a small fraction of large particles is split into smaller particles, which means maximum electricity is used for the wasteful purpose of compressing large volumes of the fluid.

Hence, there is a need for an equipment for homogenization of fluids and a method for operating the same which addresses the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, an equipment for homogenization of fluid is disclosed. The equipment includes an inlet portion, a cylindrical housing, a driving motor, and a feed-out portion. The inlet portion is configured to receive a definite volume of a fluid subjected to homogenization wherein the inlet portion passes the fluid upon receiving from a first point to a second point. The cylindrical housing is operatively coupled to the second point of the inlet portion, wherein the cylindrical housing includes a central shaft and a plurality of discs. The central shaft is installed along a horizontal axis of the cylindrical housing. The central shaft has splines that allow the plurality of discs to be mounted on it. Each set of disc valve within the system of the plurality of discs comprises of a stationary disc supported by the outer cylinder and a rotating disc mounted on the shaft.

The drive motor rotates the shaft at a specified speed (rpm). The feed-out portion is operatively coupled to a rear end of the cylindrical housing. This causes the discs mounted on the shaft to spin and provides fluid-bearing effect when fluid passes in between the spinning and stationary disc valves multiple times through each of the disc valve sets. The feed-out portion is operatively coupled to a rear end of the cylindrical housing. The feed-out portion includes a closed lid that is unfastened to allow discharge of the fluid from the equipment upon completion of homogenization.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for operating an equipment for homogenization of fluids is disclosed. The method includes supplying, to an inlet portion of an equipment accountable for homogenization, a definite volume of milk. The method also includes applying to a central shaft operatively coupled to a cylindrical housing, a pre-defined pressure manually, or by a driving motor. The method also includes rotating, the central shaft and in sequence rotating a plurality of disc valves in opposite directions. Further, the method includes trapping a plurality of fat globules composed in the fluid and subsequently breaking the plurality of fat globules into a plurality of particles that combine with the milt to produce a uniform color. The method also includes receiving, from a feed-out portion of the equipment, the volume of fluid upon completion of homogenization.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an equipment for homogenization of fluids in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a cylindrical housing of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a plurality of discs in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the shape of an inlet portion of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of disc and valve arrangements of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for operation of an equipment for homogenization of fluid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an equipment for homogenization of fluids and a method for operating the same. As used herein, the term “homogenization” denotes a process used to make a mixture of two mutually non- soluble fluids to the same throughout. Homogenization turns the fluid into a state consisting of extremely small particles distributed uniformly throughout the fluid. Further, the equipment— described hereafter in FIG. 1 is the equipment for homogenization of fluids and the method for operating the same.

In a preferred embodiment, the ‘fluid’ as herein described can be referred to ‘milk’ .

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an equipment for the homogenization of fluids in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The equipment (100) includes an inlet portion (102), a cylindrical housing (104), a driving motor (110), and a feed-out portion (112).

The inlet portion (102) is configured to receive a definite volume of a fluid subjected to homogenization. The inlet portion (102) includes a filter (120) to trap a plurality of impurities or solid particles that may be present in the fluid. The inlet portion (102) allows the fluid upon receiving from a first point (102a) to a second point (102b). The definite volume of fluid is based on the volume of the fluid required as an output upon homogenization. The cylindrical housing (104) is operatively coupled to the second point (102b) of the inlet portion (102). The cylindrical housing (104) includes a central shaft (106) that is installed along a horizontal axis of the cylindrical housing (104). The central shaft (106) is tubular in shape. In one embodiment, the central shaft (106) is made up of metal material.

The fluid flows through the first point (102a) of the inlet portion (102) and is sent to the cylindrical housing (104) from the second point (102b). The fluid is then passed through the plurality of discs (108) which are mounted on the central shaft (106). The central shaft (106) is directly connected to the driving motor (110) The central shaft (106) facilitates the rotation of the plurality of discs (108). The plurality of discs () is positioned between two valves. The valves rotate in the opposite direction of each other. The fluid passes through the plurality of discs (108) and valve arrangement. After passing through the valve arrangement the fluid is homogenized. The homogenized fluid then exits from the feed-out portion (112). In a preferred embodiment, the equipment disclosed may act as an attachment to a pasteurizer in the process of homogenization of milk. Un the currently existing homogenizer, when the milk is undergoing pasteurization through PHE (plate heat exchanger) and reaches around 65 to 75-degree centigrade, the milk is bypassed and in the currently existing system, the milk is diverted through NRVs (Non- Retum Valve), reciprocating pump and subjected to pass through set of homogenizer valves. During this process, the reciprocating plungers force the milk through the narrow gap at around 200bar pressure. The milk fluid which is subjected to heavy pressure consists of 95% liquid and a balance 5% fat and solids. Only this 5% parts of globules needs to be split into fine particles. The force applied on to the globules is the liquid milk which is a soft material. Unless very heavy force is applied the purpose is not served. That is the entire milk in rotation undergoes that much of pressure of 175kg/cm sq.

In the present disclosure, the milk is passed through the specially designed perforated disc valves, they rotate in opposite to each other with a pre-set narrow gap. The action of the valves is splitting, twisting, and dividing the milk into many folds while passing through the length of 3 to 4 sets of valves having multiple ports which will not allow the direct flow of milk or any part of the milk. This may help in splitting the fat content into several fine particles and at the same time distribute it among the whole content or volume of milk. No pressure is applied. The output from the homogenizer in the present disclosure is to reconnect back to the pasteurizer which continues the flow through high temperatures up to 85° and continues the recovery and regeneration of heat. In another embodiment, the process of homogenization may be done at higher whirling speeds up to 1440 to 2500 RPM non-contact disc rotations at normal pressures can help the action of splitting the fat globules. High-pressure application is avoided in the present disclosure and changed to high speed. This avoids all heavy machinery and parts, only 10% of the power is used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a cylindrical housing of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cylindrical housing (104) also includes a plurality of discs (108) mounted on the central shaft (106). Each of the plurality of discs (108) includes a first disc valve (108a) and a second disc valve (108b). In one embodiment, the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b) rotate in the opposite direction of each other. The driving motor (110) is operatively coupled to the cylindrical housing (104) and operational to directly drive the central shaft (106) along the horizontal axis at a pre-defined velocity. The feed-out portion (112) is operatively coupled to a rear end (104a) of the cylindrical housing (104) wherein the feed-out portion (112) includes a closed lid (114) that is unfastened to allow discharge of the fluid from the equipment (100) upon completion of homogenization. In one embodiment the closed lid (114) may be of composed of a suitable material such as rubber, metal plastic, polymer, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material disclosed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a plurality of discs of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the plurality of discs (108) includes a central spherical incision (not shown in FIG.3) to clinch the plurality of discs (108) with the central shaft (106). In one embodiment, the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b) are mounted along the horizontal axis with a pre-defined gap of 0.1 to 0.2 millimetres in length. In such an embodiment, the first disc valve (108a) in static and the second disc valve (108b) drives in a rotational movement opposite to the first disc valve (108a). In one embodiment, the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b) include a plurality of slots (116) and a plurality of grooves (118). The plurality of slots (116) is chiselled on surfaces of the first disc valve (108a) and a second disc valve (108b). The slots are sharp to improve the quality of homogenization. The fluid flows through the plurality of slots (116) upon the pressure that is enforced manually or by the driving motor (110). The first disc valve (108a) and a second disc valve (108b) also include a plurality of grooves (118) chiselled on the outer circumference of the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b).

In one embodiment, the plurality of slots (116) is in the shape of an arc pointing radially outwards from the first disc valve (108a) and second disc valve (108b). In such an embodiment, the plurality of slots (116) traps a plurality of large particles present in the fluid and subsequently breaks the plurality of large particles into a plurality of particles that combines with the fluid to produce a uniform color.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an inlet portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inlet portion (102) is frsuto-conical in shape. The frusto-conical shape is the shape of a frustum and a cone, which is the shape of a cone or pyramid whose tip has been truncated by a plane parallel to its base. In one embodiment, the first point (102a) is an area of the opening of the inlet portion (102) and the second point (102b) is an area of exit of the inlet portion (102).

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of valve arrangements of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The valve arrangement includes the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b). In one embodiment, the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b) are mounted along the horizontal axis with a pre-defined gap of 0.1 to 0.2 millimetres in length. In such an embodiment, the first disc valve (108a) in static and the second disc valve (108b) drives in a rotational movement opposite to the first disc valve (108a). In one embodiment the valve arrangement includes, a central hole configured to accommodate the central shaft (106).

FIG. 6 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (200) of homogenization of fluids in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes supplying, to an inlet portion of an equipment accountable for homogenization, a definite volume of milk in step (202).

Further, the method includes applying to a central shaft operatively coupled to a cylindrical housing, a pre-defined pressure manually or by a driving motor wherein upon applying the pressure causes in step (204). The method also includes rotating, with a speed of 1440 RPM. Furthermore, the method includes rotating the central shaft and in sequence rotating a plurality of disc valves in opposite directions in step (206). The method also includes clinching, by a central spherical incision of the plurality of disc valves, the plurality of discs with the central shaft. The method also includes mounting, the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b) along the horizontal axis with a pre-defined gap of 0.1 to 0.2 millimetres in length. The method also includes positioning, the first disc valve (108a) in static and the second disc valve (108b) in a rotational movement opposite to the first disc valve (108a). The method also includes disposing a plurality of slots (116), and a plurality of grooves (118), by the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b). The plurality of slots (116) is chiselled on surfaces of the first disc valve (108a) and a second disc valve (108b). The plurality of slots (116) allows the fluid to flow through the plurality of slots (116) upon the pressure that is enforced manually or by the driving motor (110). The plurality of grooves (118) chiselled on the outer circumference of the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b).

Furthermore, the method includes trapping a plurality of large particles composed in the fluid and subsequently breaking the plurality of large particles into a plurality of particles that combine with the fluid to produce a uniform color in step (208).

Furthermore, the method includes receiving, from a feed-out portion of the equipment, the volume of fluid upon completion of homogenization in step (210). The method also includes operating, the feed-out portion by manually or automatically. Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable homogenizing the fluids by consuming less power. The equipment in the present disclosure provides good quality of homogenized fluid with less use of electric power. By using the equipment in the present disclosure, the large volume of fluid can be compressed with less power consumption. The equipment in the present disclosure, provides homogenization of the fluid that increases its shelf life of the fluid. Increasing the shelf life of the fluid include increased plant efficiency, reduced distribution costs, and reduced product returns. Further, the direct drive enables direct connection of motor to the cylindrical housing, which facilitates compactness of the equipment. Also, the direct drive avoids mechanical transmission elements between the driving motor and the cylindrical housing. The mechanical transmission elements such as, belts, transmission elements, and the like.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. An equipment (100) for homogenization of fluid comprising: an inlet portion (102) configured to receive a definite volume of a fluid subjected to homogenization wherein the inlet portion (102) passes the fluid upon receiving from a first point (102a) to a second point (102b); a cylindrical housing (104) operatively coupled to the second point of the inlet portion (102), wherein the cylindrical housing (104) comprises: a central shaft (106) that is installed along a horizontal axis of the cylindrical housing (104) wherein the central shaft (106) is tubular and configured with a plurality of splines; and a plurality of discs (108) mounted on the plurality of splines wherein each of the plurality of discs (108) comprises a stationary disc (108a) and a rotating disc (108b); a drive motor (110) rotates the central shaft (106) at a specified speed; and a feed-out portion (112) operatively coupled to a rear end (104a) of the cylindrical housing (104) causing the plurality of discs (108) mounted on the central shaft (106) to spin and providing fluid bearing effect when fluid passes in between the rotating discs (108b) and stationary disc (108a) through each of the disc valve sets, wherein the feed-out portion (112) comprises a closed lid (114) that is unfastened to allow discharge of the fluid from the equipment (100) upon completion of homogenization.

2. The equipment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet portion (102) and the feed-out portion (112) are frusto-conical in shape.

3. The equipment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first point (102a) is an area of opening of the inlet portion (102) and the second point (102b) is an area of exit of the inlet portion (102).

4. The equipment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of discs (108) comprises a central spherical incision to clinch the plurality of discs (108) with the central shaft (106).

5. The equipment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b) are mounted along the horizontal axis with a pre-defined gap of 0.1 to 0.2 millimetres in length.

6. The equipment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first disc valve (108a) in static and the second disc valve (108b) drives in a rotational movement opposite to the first disc valve (108a).

7. The equipment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first disc valve (108a) and a second disc valve (108b) comprise: a plurality of slots (116) chiselled on its surface to allow the fluid to flow through the plurality of slots (116) upon pressure that is enforced manually or by the driving motor (110); and a plurality of grooves (118) chiselled on the outer circumference of the first disc valve (108a) and the second disc valve (108b).

8. The equipment (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of slots (116) is in the shape of an arc pointing radially outwards from the first disc valve (108a) and second disc valve (108b).

9. The equipment (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of slots (116) traps a plurality of large particles present in the fluid and subsequently breaks the plurality of large particles into a plurality of particles that combines with the fluid to produce a uniform color. A method (200) for homogenization of fluid comprising: supplying, to an inlet portion of an equipment accountable for homogenization, a definite volume of milk; (202) applying, to a central shaft operatively coupled to a cylindrical housing, a pre-defined pressure manually or by a driving motor wherein upon applying the pressure causes; (204) rotating the central shaft and in sequence rotating a plurality of disc valves in opposite directions; (206) trapping a plurality of fat globules composed in the fluid and subsequently breaking the plurality of fat globules into a plurality of particles that combines with the milt to produce a uniform color; (208) and receiving, from a feed-out portion of the equipment, the volume of fluid upon completion of homogenization. (210)