Improvements in emulsion stability of dairy beverages treated by high pressure homogenization: A pilot-scale feasibility study

The impact of high pressure homogenization (HPH) on physical characteristics and emulsion stability of nutritional formulations were evaluated on a pilot scale HPH unit. Two products of industrial interest were used for these experiments. Manufactured formulations were analyzed using material characterization methods as particle size distribution, microscopy and dynamic mechanical spectra, compared to a control formula manufactured with conventional homogenization and heat treatments. Dynamic rheological measurements as strain and frequency sweeps exhibited increased product stability in parallel to increased homogenization pressures. Homogenization at elevated pressures yielded more shear thinning fluids evidenced by increased viscosities at low shear rates, ten fold greater compared to the control treatment, further evidence to increased physical stability. Experimental findings revealed the existence of a threshold pressure (100-150 MPa) for both formulations exhibiting significant correlation with product quality and physical stability. The study outcomes presents an opportunity for reducing stabilizer concentration in dairy beverages; in addition to shelf life and physical stability improvement for formulations treated at increased homogenization pressures.