A homogenizer is a stainless steel machine that pulverizes chemicals, ingredients or particles into smaller pieces, then blends them to form a liquid emulsion. The liquid emulsion usually consists of ingredients that do not normally mix, such as oil and water. Industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, beverage and dairy require homogenizers to maintain product stability, increase shelf life and improve taste.

Three types of homogenizers exist, including ultrasonic, rotor-stator and fluidized bed. Ultrasonic homogenizers mix materials into finer particles through ultrasonic waves. Rotor-stator homogenizers are single-shaft machines with rotating blades to process chemicals at high speeds. The stator component directs the flow of these chemicals during processing. Fluidized-bed homogenizers transform particles completely into liquid at fast speeds and a higher power. Homogenizer models such as bench top, overhead, handheld, portable and stand- and floor-mounted are also available to install in your laboratory. Feed rate, motor speed and power, capacity and operating temperature are some of the homogenizer specifications you should also evaluate.

1. Choose a custom laboratory homogenizer designed for your business-related applications.

2. Buy new or used homogenizers that work with speed and precision.

3. Use lab testing or other services to see if the homogenizer makes a good fit.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick customized homogenizers for your business

Access to a homogenizer may also be necessary if you work with polymers and coatings. Cosmetics, adhesives and paper products sometimes require homogenizers.

I recommend: Arde Barinco manufactures homogenizers and other machinery for mixing liquids, powders and other chemicals. Niro Soavi supplies homogenizers for biotech, pharmaceutical, and food and dairy processing. Quadro Engineering features bench top and handheld homogenizers with digital controls and generators.

Choose high-pressure homogenizers whether they are new or used

Some homogenizer suppliers recondition industrial machinery to work like new. High-pressure homogenizers assist in emulsifying or mixing your products quickly and efficiently.

I recommend: BEE International supplies high-pressure homogenizers for production and lab applications. Prime Machinery Group distributes new and used high-pressure homogenizers of different specifications. New and preowned homogenizers for consumer or industrial applications are also found at DMC Industries.

Pick homogenizers from manufacturers that offer lab testing or other services

Testing homogenizers and other equipment can help determine whether they're suitable for your production needs.

I recommend: Sonic offers lab testing services for its high-pressure homogenizers. Jaygo Incorporated provides rental, maintenance and repair services for its homogenizers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Clean and disinfect the homogenizer after each use to avoid cross-contamination of substances. Follow the manufacturer's manual instructions for cleaning. Most homogenizers require cleaning with deionized water, detergent or a comparable sterilized solvent solution.
• •  For easier usability, homogenizers also feature analog meters, digital numerical displays and video displays. Analog meters work with dials or indicator lights, digital numerical displays have menus and keypads, and video displays feature LCD screens or cathode ray tube displays.