Question

In a two-stage homogenizer, the number of pressure gauges mounted in the machine is usually:

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Hint:

Even though a homogenizer has two stages, only one pressure gauge is mounted on the machine. The pressures are set sequentially, with the single gauge showing the cumulative total pressure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A two-stage homogenizer uses two separate valves in series to reduce fat globule size and break up any clusters that form after the first stage.
The pressure settings of both stages must be monitored to ensure correct operation.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In a standard two-stage homogenizer, both homogenizing valves are located on the same discharge manifold.
To monitor the pressures, the system is designed with one pressure gauge mounted on the high-pressure manifold block before the first-stage valve.
The operation and setting of pressures are carried out sequentially:
1. First, the second-stage valve is adjusted until the desired second-stage pressure (usually about 10% to 15% of the total pressure, e.g., 3.5 MPa) is registered on the single pressure gauge.
2. Next, the first-stage valve is adjusted, which restricts the flow further and increases the pressure.
The first-stage pressure adds to the second-stage pressure, and the gauge then displays the total homogenization pressure (e.g., 20 MPa).
Because the pressure before the first stage is the cumulative pressure of both stages, a single pressure gauge is sufficient to determine and set the operating pressures of both stages.

Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (A).