Homogenization is the mixing of products under pressure or mechanically to a completely homogeneous composition. This process is successfully used today in the food industry, cosmetology, pharmaceuticals and other fields. It allows not only to improve the structure of the product, but also to preserve its properties for a longer period of time.
How the homogenization process works
To get a homogenized product at home, just use a mixer or blender. However, its quality in this case will, of course, be very different from the product that is homogenized using special equipment.
Homogenization is achieved by applying a significant external force to the product: ultrasound, pressure or high-frequency electrical treatment. To break up fat in liquid dairy products, for example, a homogenized machine with a valve is used, through the slits of which the milk fat is dispersed, that is, reduced in size and evenly distributed in the milk. This increases the viscosity, improves the taste of the finished product and prolongs its shelf life.
Similarly, the homogenization process takes place in other areas, for example, in the paint and varnish industry or the pharmaceutical industry. However, each of them uses its own types of homogenizers.
In industry, the homogenization process involves a number of operations. For mashed potatoes or nectars, for example, the food is first thoroughly cleaned, rinsed and wiped. Then sugar syrup and other necessary elements are added to them. After that, the products are crushed in a homogenizer, excluding the contact of air and juice. Further, in the same device, the raw material is mixed to a completely homogeneous composition under high pressure. And at the end it is packaged in containers hot.
Application of homogenization
This process has found wide application in a wide variety of fields. It has long been impossible to imagine food production without homogenizers. With the help of such installations, various dairy products with a long shelf life, all kinds of sauces and mayonnaise, juices, pates and, of course, baby food are created.
At the same time, homogenization has a positive effect on the quality of the finished product, improving it due to a more complete mixing of substances.
Homogenization also produces various cosmetic creams and suspensions, soaps, perfumes, decorative cosmetics, toothpaste and detergents. This technology also makes it possible to create various industrial lubricants, liposomal suspensions, water-based and oil-based paints, shoe creams, inks, latex, and even coal-water fuels.
