Abstract: A colloid mill utilizes a motor-driven shaft configuration that connects to the rotor of the colloid mill to the electric motor rotor. In this way, the mill rotor shaft is directly driven. Complex gear or belt drive arrangements between a separate electric motor and the fluid processing components of the colloid mill are thus avoided. Moreover, the gap between the mill rotor and mill stator can be adjusted simply by axially translating the motor-driven shaft. Such translation is provided by a timing belt-based arrangement to limit backlash. As a result, a simple hand-operated knob or stepper motor arrangement can be used to control the gap.

Abstract: A mixing head is provided for inducing axial flow of material in an inward direction toward a mixing chamber. The mixing head is machinable, and therefore relatively inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, the mixing head is modular, and therefore adaptable to a number of applications. Additionally, the mixing head can be disassembled, and is therefore relatively easy to clean and maintain.

Abstract: A colloid mill utilizes a motor-driven shaft configuration that connects to the rotor of the colloid mill to the electric motor rotor. In this way, the mill rotor shaft is directly driven. Complex gear or belt drive arrangements between a separate electric motor and the fluid processing components of the colloid mill are thus avoided. Moreover, the gap between the mill rotor and mill stator can be adjusted simply by axially translating the motor-driven shaft. Such translation is provided by a timing belt-based arrangement to limit backlash. As a result, a simple hand-operated knob or stepper motor arrangement can be used to control the gap.

Abstract: A colloid mill utilizes a motor-driven shaft configuration that connects to the rotor of the colloid mill to the electric motor rotor. In this way, the mill rotor shaft is directly driven. Complex gear or belt drive arrangements between a separate electric motor and the fluid processing components of the colloid mill are thus avoided. Moreover, the gap between the mill rotor and mill stator can be adjusted simply by axially translating the motor-driven shaft. Such translation is provided by a timing belt-based arrangement to limit backlash. As a result, a simple hand-operated knob or stepper motor arrangement can be used to control the gap. Specifically, a thrust bearing is supported in a threaded sleeve that mates with the colloidal mill body. The timing belt engages the sleeve to rotate it relative to the body, thus adjusting the thrust bearings axially along the motor driven shaft and thereby controlling the gap between the mill stator and mill rotor.

Abstract: A homogenization valve includes a housing and stacked valve members within the housing. The valve members have central holes therethrough defining a high pressure volume. Each valve member includes a valve seat defining, with a valve surface, gaps through which fluid is expressed radially from an inside high pressure volume to the low pressure volume. The actuator acts on the valve members to control the width of the gaps. The valve member includes circumferentially spaced, compressible spacing elements to maintain the gap. The actuator controls substantially all of the gap widths by compressing the spacing elements. Annular springs are positioned within the high pressure volume in spring-grooves in the valve members to align adjoining pairs of valve members to maintain the stacked member configuration.