Abstract: A valve including a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the valve body comprising a first valve element and a second valve element arranged in a housing. A gap is formed between the valve elements, the first valve element being conformed as a sleeve with an inner surface that tapers at least in sections towards the fluid outlet, the second valve element being conformed as a cone mounted in the sleeve, with the same inclination as the inner surface of the sleeve so as to form the gap. Additionally, an annular space open to the fluid outlet is formed between the sleeve and the inner surface of the housing. The sleeve has through holes towards the annular space and the cone has through openings towards the fluid inlet, the sleeve and the cone being axially adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: A method for validating a homogenizing valve (1), comprising the steps of:—preparing an emulsion having a hydrophilic phase comprising, in weight percentage on the total weight: from 55% to 74% demineralized water, from 10% to 20% glycerin and from 3% to 4,2% butylene glycol, and a lipophilic phase comprising, in weight percentage on the total weight: from 5.1% to 5.9% squalane, from 7.2% to 8.8% caprylic acid alkyl ester and from 0.665% to 0.735% cetyl alcohol;—subjecting the emulsion to forced passage within the homogenizing valve (1) from a high pressure zone (HP) to a low pressure zone (LP) a plurality of times.

Abstract: A homogenizing apparatus (1) comprising: —an inlet (2) for receiving a pressurized fluid, possibly also containing solid particles; —a zone wherein homogenization of the fluid takes place; —an outlet (10) for the fluid at a lower pressure with respect to the inlet pressure, wherein, in the homogenization zone, the fluid passes from a zone having a larger diameter (or volume) to a zone having a smaller diameter (or volume), the homogenization zone comprising an interacting element (9) shared by a first stage (equipped with a first deflector plug (6)) and a second stage suitable for creating back pressure (equipped with a second deflector plug (12)), where the deflector plugs (6 and 12) operate with the interacting element (9) they share, generating an increase in the shear rate within the first stage. The invention also concerns a homogenization process.

Abstract: Homogenizing valve (1) at high pressure, particularly for application to fibrous fluids, comprising: a valve body (2); a passage head (15) integrally joined to the valve body (2); an assembled organ (27) formed of two pistons (5, 6) and a striking head (16), which is axially mobile inside a through hole of the valve body (2), so that the striking head (16) defines with the passage head (15) an interspace (18) of passage of the fluid, the assembled organ (27) being rotatable thanks to the lower cogged profile which engages in a cogged tool (20).

Abstract: A high-pressure homogenizer, comprising: a plurality of pumping pistons (2a, 2b), for feeding a liquid to be homogenized toward a manifold (6), each piston being associated with a respective oil hydraulic cylinder; a homogenizing valve positioned downstream of said pumping pistons (2a, 2b); and an electronic system (5) for controlling and regulating said pumping pistons (2a, 2b), which controls the law of motion of each individual piston (2a, 2b) independently. Said electronic regulation system (5) is connected to a transducer placed on the manifold (6) to regulate the delivery of oil to the individual cylinders (3a, 3b) according to the pressure, sensed in the manifold (6), of the liquid to be homogenized pumped by said pistons (2a, 2b) in order to maintain a stable flow rate and pressure.

Abstract: Method for making yogurt or another fermented milk-based product comprising the steps of: adding to the milk an enzyme preparation based on transglutaminase at a concentration of 0.5-3 units per gram of protein contained in the milk, the transglutaminase being supported on vegetable fibres; homogenising the milk by forcing it through a gap afforded between a lower annular chamber (9) and an upper annular chamber (10) of a homogenising valve (1).

Abstract: A homogenizing apparatus (1) comprising: —an inlet (2) for receiving a pressurized fluid, possibly also containing solid particles; —a zone wherein homogenization of the fluid takes place; —an outlet (10) for the fluid at a lower pressure with respect to the inlet pressure, wherein, in the homogenization zone, the fluid passes from a zone having a larger diameter (or volume) to a zone having a smaller diameter (or volume), the homogenization zone comprising an interacting element (9) shared by a first stage (equipped with a first deflector plug (6)) and a second stage suitable for creating back pressure (equipped with a second deflector plug (12)), where the deflector plugs (6 and 12) operate with the interacting element (9) they share, generating an increase in the shear rate within the first stage. The invention also concerns a homogenization process.

Abstract: A high pressure homogenizer provided with head for the treatment of products with solids and fibers comprises a block defining a passage for the product from an intake area to a delivery area, a piston movable axially with reciprocating motion in the block to pump the product in said passage, intake and delivery valves positioned internally to the block and operatively active on said passage to open it/close as a function of a motion of the products in the passage. The passage is positioned in the block in position of non-interference with the motion of the piston and the intake and delivery valves have no springs and are operatively inserted in said passage in intermediate position between said intake and delivery areas, to favor the sliding of the products and to prevent the accumulation of substances that are sensitive to shear effects contained in the products themselves.

Abstract: A high pressure mechanical safety valve (1), of the type comprising a body (2) housing elastic means (3) acting on a shutter element (4) normally maintained in a closing position when the pressure in a high pressure area beyond an aperture (6) is lower than the pressure, settable to a fixed calibration value, exerted by the elastic means (3). The safety valve comprises mechanical means for remote control of the valve, interposed between the elastic means (3) and the shutter element (4) to allow both a forced opening or a forced closing of the valve (1) The safety valve may also comprise an optional position sensor for signalling the open or closed status of the valve.

Abstract: A high-pressure homogenizer comprising: —a fixed body (7) housing a rotating crankshaft (10); —a motor (3) for driving the crankshaft (10); —a reduction gear unit (4) interconnected between the crankshaft and transmission means {(5, 6), characterised in that the reduction gear unit (4) is an epicyclic reduction gear unit. Preferably there is provided a lubricant feed line (15) which passes through the fixed body and reaches the epicyclic reduction gear unit (4). Preferably the epicyclic reduction gear unit (4) is constructed integrally with the fixed body (4). Said solution enables reductions in overall dimensions, weights and costs and an improved load distribution.