SPX Flow debuts new APV homogeniser

SPX Flow has unveiled a new APV Pilot 4T homogeniser to help customers test recipes with a new level of versatility in a compact unit.

“We’ve used our proven technology and experience to bring customers a big homogenizer performance in a small package,” said Con O’Driscoll, SPX Flow’s global product manager of dispersion Products. “Pilot scale homogenisation is often used to validate processes before investing in full lines, and this will help customers scale up from their initial laboratory tests to production.”

SPX Flow pioneered homogenisers through its APV Rannie and Gaulin brands. Customers can now choose an APV homogeniser capable of running either lab tests or small-scale production. It’s useful for a range of customers, particularly food and beverage producers targeting the growing demand for enhanced nutritional products.

This will help save time and money for several groups, including end users needing homogenisers, R&D customers who must scale up quickly without losing quality or taste after developing new recipes and processes, as well as OEMs and integrators who benefit from variable capacity, compact design, short delivery and ease of integration.

The APV Pilot 4T homogenises immiscible liquids into an emulsion, operating like a positive displacement pump with a valve. Liquids get forced through a small gap in the valve at high pressures, increasing velocity, decreasing pressure and causing a turbulence/pressure differential that disrupts and disperses particles.

Other features of the new homogeniser include:

• Flexible capacities that can be easily adjusted for flow and pressure because of integrated variable speed drive and controls. This scalable, repeatable performance makes it easier to test recipes for a variety of products, from plant-based drinks to ketchup and sauces. 

If companies need to increase or decrease flows after choosing a particular model variant, the operating flexibility saves time and money without compromising performance and enables testing of multiple recipes and applications. 

• Easy ways for operators to meet batch capability needs. Options vary from manual to fully automatic touchscreen PLC control that can link to plant control systems for remote operation. 

• Compact modular construction options that can be easily added as market needs change.

• Plug-and-play technology that saves time and money because of the integrated controls and variable speed drive which do not require additional electrical or control panels. The APV pilot 4T homogenisers integrate into customer processes with a short lead time, easy installation and reduced maintenance.

• A three-plunger design that improves stability for pump, single or two-stage homogenisation.