Visual observations and acoustic measurements of cavitation in an experimental model of a high-pressure homogenizer
Author
Summary, in English
Cavitation is common in high-pressure homogenizers, and has severe negative effects such as noise and mechanical wear, but may also have a beneficial effect in promoting fragmentation. Greater knowledge concerning cavitation in the homogenizer valve is thus important in optimizing the design and utilization of emulsification equipment. The aim of this study was to locate the region of cavitation and to study its dependence on operating conditions. The cavitation in a model of a high-pressure homogenizer is examined in detail. A visualization technique, based on the scattering of light from cavitation bubbles in the flow, has been developed, tested and compared to acoustical measurements. Intense light scattering was observed in the gap of the valve, indicating cavitation bubble growth as well as collapse inside the gap. The scattering intensity increased with increasing inlet pressure and decreased with increasing back pressure. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Department/s
- Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition
- Fluid Mechanics
- eSSENCE: The e-Science Collaboration
Publishing year
2010
Language
English
Pages
504-513
Publication/Series
Journal of Food Engineering
Volume
100
Issue
3
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Elsevier
Topic
- Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics
- Food Engineering
Keywords
- Cavitation
- High-pressure homogenization
- Dairy engineering
- Hydrodynamics
- Visualization
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0260-8774