Homogenizing valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a homogenizing valve which may comprise two or more pressurized, movable valve cones, two or more valve seats, and a valve housing which surrounds the valve cones and the valve seats. The valve cones and the valve seats may be arranged such that between them are formed constrictions, which constitute homogenization gaps having a gap height. Between each individual valve cone and each individual valve seat may be formed two homogenization gaps, of which one homogenization gap may be radially arranged and one homogenization gap may be axially arranged. The homogenizing valve may be used in existing homogenizers and may acquire an effective homogenization for liquids which are processed at a lower pressure and with a large flow, such as pasteurized milk, for example.

1 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A homogenizing valve comprising:
 two or more valve cones;   two or more valve seats;   a valve housing surrounding the valve cones and the valve seats and including a vertical axis; and   a rod, centrally arranged in the valve housing, engaged to the valve cones,   wherein the valve cones and the valve seats are arranged such that between each valve seat and valve cone is formed a radially arranged homogenization gap and an axially arranged homogenization gap with respect to the axis, and wherein a gap height of at least one of the radially arranged homogenization gaps is adjustable based on an adjustment of the rod.   
     
     
         6 . The homogenizing valve according to  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the axially arranged homogenization gaps is fixed. 
     
     
         7 . The homogenizing valve according to  claim 5 , wherein a gap height of at least one of the radially arranged homogenization gaps is between 50 to 200 μm. 
     
     
         8 . The homogenizing valve according to  claim 5 , wherein the valve seats are arranged with one on top of the other. 
     
     
         9 . The homogenizing valve according to  claim 5 , wherein the valve seats are fixed to the valve housing. 
     
     
         10 . The homogenizing valve according to  claim 5 , wherein the valve cones are pressure-loaded. 
     
     
         11 . The homogenizing valve according to  claim 10 , wherein the valve cones are pressure-loaded by a hydraulic or pneumatic piston. 
     
     
         12 . A homogenizing valve comprising:
 two or more valve cones;   two or more valve seats;   a valve housing surrounding the valve cones and the valve seats and including a vertical axis,   a rod, centrally arranged in the valve housing, engaged to the valve cones,   wherein the valve cones and the valve seats are arranged such that between each valve seat and valve cone is formed a radially arranged homogenization gap and an axially arranged homogenization gap with respect to the axis,   a gap height of at least one of the radially arranged homogenization gaps is adjustable based on an adjustment of the rod,   the axially arranged homogenization gaps are fixed,   the valve seats are arranged with one on top of the other and are fixed to the valve housing, and   the valve cones are pressure-loaded.