Homogenization device and method of using same
View Patent ↗A homogenization device comprising a flow-through channel having at least two local constrictions of flow wherein the size of a first local constrictions is adjustable thereby permitting variable flow rate through one portion of the device and the size of a second local constriction is fixed thereby permitting constant flow rate through another portion of the device.
1. A device for homogenizing a fluid, the device comprising:
a flow-through channel defined by at least one wall and having a longitudinal axis, the at least one wall having a series of axially spaced-apart orifices disposed therein; and
a baffle element disposed within the flow-through channel defining an orifice between the perimeter of the baffle element and the at least one wall, the baffle element configured to be selectively movable within the flow-through channel to direct at least a portion of the fluid through one or more of the series of orifices, while the remaining portion of the fluid passes through the orifice.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the series of orifices is circular shaped.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the series of orifices is elliptical shaped.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the series of orifices is rectangular shaped.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the series of orifices is square shaped.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one wall is a cylindrical wall.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the baffle element includes a cylindrical surface and a conically-shaped surface wherein the tapered portion of the conically-shaped surface confronts the fluid flow.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the orifice is an annular orifice defined between the cylindrical wall of the flow-through channel and the perimeter of the cylindrical surface of the baffle element.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the orifice creates a local constriction of flow that is capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from the orifice.